Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Aontaím leis an méid a dúirt an Teacha Ó Cuív. Tá Sinn Féin sásta glacadh le aon seans a bheith againn anseo inniu ráitis a chur os comhair an Tí maidir leis an 14 bliain ag Uachtarán na hÉireann, Máire Mhic Giolla Íosa.

Last week the Government published its medium-term fiscal statement and in an hour or so it will publish its capital spending review. Already it has signalled the cancellation of a very important infrastructural development that would have provided fair and equitable access to the north west of the island with the deferral, at least, if not worse, of the M2-A5 dual carriageway project. This development was part of the St. Andrews Agreement and expected to be a critical flagship project to be unfolded on a joint basis by the Administrations North and South in the coming years, with all the economic benefits that it would entail. One expects other very serious announcements today, but there is no signalled intent on the part of the Government to facilitate a proper debate on the consequences of the capital expenditure work cancellations or deferrals. Will it accommodate an opportunity for Members to address these matters in the House today or next Tuesday in the context of the medium-term fiscal statement and the capital spending review? Having such an opportunity is hugely important. Therefore, I urge the Tánaiste to give a favourable response.

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