Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We have good robust discussions at meetings of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party. This case is often made as if motor tax did not fund water services for years. The only point I am making is that motor tax was used in that way.

I take the point that the big decision that is made in September really determines what is possible in the budget a few months later. I am told that Revenue insists on having that decision in September because it has an impact on decisions it needs to make. I take the point. I remind the Deputy that the budgetary cycle for the Government has changed too. The budget has moved to October. It used to be introduced in November.

I was also asked about the discrepancies and differences in terms of commercial water rates. I think the regulator will need to look at this area to try to get more consistency across the country in relation to commercial water charges. My understanding is that this is something which needs to be done.

Deputy Casey made a fair point about regional roads. We have been through a very difficult period in terms of successive Governments having money available to spend. It is a question of prioritising what is available. I think housing is now getting the priority it needs. The Deputy knows as well as I do that regardless of what is happening with the housing crisis or whatever, the condition of roads is undoubtedly a major political issue in rural constituencies, particularly at local elections. We are cognisant of that when we are providing funding. It is a question of trying to prioritise available resources where they are most needed.

I thank the Minister. We will proceed to the final items, programme F, planning, and programme G, Met Éireann.