Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are coming in at the eleventh hour. My party and I want to work with the Minister and his officials to deliver this project because it is in the national interest. This is not a cheap political shot, but we are here because of inaction and delays. The Minister has not prioritised the issue. He has prioritised work in other Departments which has taken his focus away from his own job. It is remarkable that he has come here today and it appears that the Department of the Taoiseach is taking the lead. Is that an indication that the Minister or his Department do not have the Taoiseach's confidence that they can deliver? My understanding is it has to be done by September. There is a deadline in September for the establishment of the competent authority.