Emer Currie (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and Members for their contributions. If the Polish ambassador was still here I would congratulate him on his country's constitution day. I, too, want to express my sympathies to the D'Arcy family and the Fine Gael party on the death of Mr. Michael D'Arcy Snr., who made a significant contribution to Irish politics as a Minster, Deputy and Senator. Senator Fitzpatrick rightly brought our attention to the sports and culture Department's large-scale infrastructure fund. I agree that this is vital infrastructure. It complements the work we are doing very successfully with the sports capital grant and equipment grants. I am more than happy to support the Senator's suggestion that Dublin City Council makes an application under that fund for the home of Bohs in Dalymount Park.

The Senator asked for an update on the Taoiseach's commitment to set up a new task force in Dublin city. She is concerned about the north inner city and the task force's role. She is looking for some consultation on this and we will write to the Taoiseach about that.

Senator Paddy Burke again raised the issue of houses that are lying idle because they are beside routes earmarked for the Department of Transport and the wasted resource this is in the middle of a housing crisis. I absolutely agree with him and we should write to the Minister of Transport on this with additional urgency.