Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I refer to the Child Care (Amendment) Bill with particular reference to the short period between now and the dissolution of the Dáil. Will the Taoiseach ensure, through his Whip, that this matter will be taken in its entirety? The Bill is on Report Stage at present. The main Opposition party will co-operate and see Report Stage through in a couple of hours if it could be prioritised for the New year.

I have realised there is no other mechanism for me to raise this matter. There is a difficulty with the Department of Transport and the National Roads Authority with reference to the completion of the M7 motorway and payments to workers before Christmas. The Taoiseach is aware of it. Will the Taoiseach discuss this with the Minister for Transport and propose that the Minister act as a facilitator to ensure these workers, of whom there are 70 unpaid since 1 November, might receive their due wages before Christmas? This is an important issue and I call on the Taoiseach to give it his attention.

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