Simon Harris

It is zero euro and zero cent.

Carbon tax, which Sinn Féin wants to abolish-----

-----but the rest of the Opposition does not and the NORA levy, which we have got rid of-----

I will send Deputy Doherty a copy after Leaders' Questions because this is one of three errors he has made this week.

Quite frankly, a little bit of competency after 16 years as our country's Opposition spokesperson on finance would be helpful.

I thank Deputy Doherty for that.

It is there for anybody to read that it is zero euro and zero cent.

I will make it available to the Deputy.

Sorry, on the very important issue of Donegal-----

Sorry. My apologies to Deputy Lawlor but there was also a very important issue in relation to Donegal. I just needed to correct that issue. In relation to the Donegal-Dublin -----

Please, this quite an important-----

I think Deputy Donnelly's colleague would like me to answer the question that has been raised about Donegal. It is a very important issue and one I want to acknowledge. I thought people in Donegal, in terms of the politicians in this House, were working together on it. I know that my party colleague, Senator Manus Boyle, along with Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher, the Minister of State, Deputy McCon…

Just bear with me for one second. I spoke to the Minister in relation to it. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, has confirmed that he anticipates that next week he will be in a position to announce the reinstatement of the midday service and the overnighting of the aircraft in Donegal.

I know it well.

Hear, hear.

The Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, is doing a lot more than just writing letters. She is taking a very hands-on approach in relation to this issue. She has the full support of the entire Government in getting this project over the line. It is a project that will transform children's health in this country. The Minister is continuing to work hard on this. She met with the international company,…

I thank Deputy Coppinger. I will certainly raise the IRP backlog with the Minister for justice, Deputy O'Callaghan. I will also ask the Minister to look at Iby's case on compassionate grounds, as she has asked. Without knowing the details of the case, obviously my heart and feelings go out, as do those of Deputy Coppinger, to Iby and her family at this time, in terms of her own cancer journey. I …

No, I do not.

I do not. It might sound reasonable to people listening at home, based on how the Deputy has framed it, but the critical infrastructure Bill is very straightforward legislation that is urgently required to give the Minister and the Government of the day the ability to prioritise certain projects. It is enabling legislation and it is extraordinarily straightforward. There is urgency around buildin…

There really is not.

I would make the point that there are limitations on what it is legally possible to do to excise duty. This week, the Government took measures on excise duty, fuel allowance and the diesel rebate. Some members of the Opposition are asking me to reduce the non-carbon excise element of home heating oil, which does not exist. I cannot do that. There are also rules around the energy tax directive. The…

I thank the Deputy for again raising this issue. I am conscious that, as he rightly said, he has been raising this issue since his first day in this House, and indeed even before that. I know it is an important issue to his constituents and communities across Dublin north. I assure him that real progress is now finally being made. Following the review of the national development plan, the Minister…

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. I will talk directly to the Minister, Deputy Naughton, and the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Moynihan, about the issue. At a time when we are seeking to open more classes and there is a school, and indeed a new school building, willing to accommodate those classes, I would be supportive of that proceeding. I will talk to the Minister, Deputy Naughton, …

I thank the Deputy. I will ask the Minister to further engage with him and Deputy Ward. I know the Deputy previously raised the issues of the Gaelscoileanna and those autism classes in his community. We will try to make progress on that together. Déanaim comhghairdeas le Lucan girl guides on their success and the pride they brought to their community. The Deputy is right to highlight the hugely p…

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I join with him in praising our firemen and firewomen, firefighters across the country and all those involved in our fire services for the vital work they do. It is important we show our gratitude, not just in words but in investment in them and their facilities. I thank the Deputy for raising this. He has been a consistent advocate for Ballymahon fire st…