James O'Connor

I thank Deputy Daly. I must say I agree with a lot of the points he made. I should not say that as the Chair, but anyway.

We now go to Deputy Paul Murphy. He has three and a half minutes.

In accordance with Standing Order 85(2), the division is postponed until the weekly division time on Wednesday, 26 March 2025.

I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Jen Cummins - To discuss the need for a multidenominational school for Dublin 8. Deputy Gary Gannon - To discuss the lack of school places for children with additional needs in the north inner city. Deputy William Aird - To discuss…

I wish to ask the Taoiseach about coming tariffs and what they could do in particular to the whiskey industry in Ireland. I was with the Taoiseach in Washington DC this week. He did a difficult but good job representing the country. We are concerned about the impact coming tariffs could have on Irish Distillers. Could there be an investigation to see if bourbon could be excluded from EU tariffs to…

I take the opportunity to recognise the delegation from the Danish Parliament who are joining us in the Gallery with Deputy Malcolm Byrne of Wexford. They are all very welcome. Ireland has had 62 years of a diplomatic relationship with Denmark - I checked. They are most welcome and I thank them for being here.

Deputy McGuinness please, without interruption.

One second. We have had a debate here without interruption from all sides and all parties, both Government and Opposition.

The only Members who have repeatedly commented since I sat in this chair are Deputies Cronin and Devine.

There was an exchange a few moments ago relating to Deputy Devine's contribution. To clarify that everything that was said was allowable under Standing Orders, I just asked for advice on foot of the Deputy's request to me as Chair.

And look-----

-----it is perfectly allowable-----

We will proceed to the Government slot.

Deputy Lahart wanted to make a remark in response to Deputy Devine.

I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Aidan Farrelly - To discuss to lack of school places and school building projects in Kildare. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú - To discuss the difficulties in mental health services in the Louth-Meath area. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss…

I thank the Ministers of State and Deputies for their contributions. Given the upcoming festivities, I wish everybody a happy St. Patrick's Day.

I raise the issue of the Castlemartyr and Killeagh bypass with the announcement of national roads funding imminent. My question is on the appointment of a design consultant. We are due to see funding allocated shortly for national road projects but the appointment of a design consultant is necessary for this project to advance. I would appreciate if the Taoiseach could comment on this to see if th…

I thank Deputies for their participation in this important debate to mark Seachtain na Gaeilge.

Amendments Nos. 2 to 4, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together. Is that agreed? Agreed. Amendment No. 3 is a physical and logical alternative to amendment No. 2.

Does Deputy Nash wish to move amendment No. 3?

Deputy Doherty has indicated he does not intend to move amendment No. 4.

104. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the funding available for the national roads in 2025; if there will be funding for a project (details supplied) to take it through the next gateway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9325/25]

I congratulate the Minister on his appointment. I will ask about the very important issue of the upgrade of the N25 between Midleton and Youghal. This is one of the most dangerous sections of national road in the country. It has a long record of multiple, fatal and serious road traffic accidents causing lifelong injuries for those who have been sadly impacted. I have been very passionate about ra…

I thank the Minister. I welcome his words on this and, as he has mentioned, the fact he came with me to visit the east Cork area, particularly the town of Youghal. Economically, Youghal needs a serious lift. People there have lost all faith in the Government. I do not believe the majority of the community there would have any issue with me stating that. As a local TD who lives there and who was bo…

I thank the Minister and welcome his reply. I know from his time in the Department of housing that he has often faced down difficult challenges in respect of banging heads together to try to get results. It is not always achievable overnight; it takes years of hard work to make these things happen. One of the positive decisions taken, for which I fought in the programme for Government submission …