Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms O'Donoghue. It very important that she and Mr. Duffy are presenting to the committee. On the funding allocation, obviously, the €500 million for cross-border initiatives, infrastructure and so on will be very welcome. Those present understand that I represent the Louth constituency. In his speech on 22 October, the Taoiseach mentioned the Narrow Water Bridge as one of three projects which needed to be advanced. Obviously, there are other projects as well.

It was agreed that, in turn, Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and Fine Gael will have ten minutes each. We will then hear from the SDLP and the Alliance Party, to be followed by Sinn Féin again, the Green Party, the Labour Party and Independent members.

I hope the various parties will bring in their speakers as they wish and that this is fair in recognising the points to be made. I will call the Fianna Fáil representatives first. They can divide their time among themselves whatever way they want. The ten minutes start now. Question and answers are preferable. Senator Blaney is a Donegal man.