Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am moved that the Deputy, it seems, is hanging on my every word. I can assure Members that is a very rare occurrence in this Chamber and beyond, let it be said.

We have no issue with the carryover of moneys that need to be spent and invested. It is as simple as that. We spend much of the time in the cut and thrust of political debate legitimately highlighting those areas that are screaming for further investment, whether that is capital investment or increased current spending. The Deputy will not be surprised that I would not mindlessly oppose the Government for the purposes of opposition, knowing full well that these areas are screaming out for investment.

I note from the Minister of State's contribution that the order identifies the areas where it is proposed to spend these moneys and make the investments. I would have liked to seen from whence the underspend originated. I hope the Minister of State is not presenting the figures to us in this manner to take the bad look away from certain things. Certainly it is very necessary for the €7 million for flood risk management to be invested, but we know that moneys that had been earmarked have not been spent at the scheduled rate. While I understand there are reasons for it, above all else I understand the misery in recent times of so many families and communities. This money needs to be invested.

I note that in the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, our friend, the Minister, Deputy Kelly, had an underspend of over €41 million. It is now proposed to spend that on the housing programme. Bravo for that; it is not before time. We know that there has been underinvestment and more than a reluctance on the part of central Government to come up trumps for local authorities and to invest in social and affordable housing. I read this figure as symptomatic of the Government's approach.

I note that there is more than €6 million for the Department of the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

There is a proposition for cultural infrastructure and development in the decade of centenaries commemorating 1912 to 1922, the centrepiece of which is 1916.

Since we have this €6.158 million, I suggest the Government, or the incoming Government, gets its act together and moves beyond the narrow definition of the national monument on Moore Street. I suggest the Government moves to create a proper commemorative revolutionary quarter, encompassing the terrace and based from the GPO back as far as Parnell Square. That would be a far more compelling development of that part of the city, which I happen to represent. It makes cultural sense. Kilmainham Jail is now a mecca for tourists, visitors, historians and the curious alike, despite the fact that back in the day, the State would have been quite happy to see that go. Such a quarter in the heart of Dublin's north inner city would be an incredible tourist draw. It would also be a massive economic driver for that part of the city which, historically, at least in parts, has been impoverished going back a century. I hope the Minister of State, Deputy Simon Harris, will take on board what I said. I think he is a sensible individual, more sensible than many of his colleagues. As he is also a lot younger than many of us in this Chamber, I hope he would have an open mind in respect of what I am proposing. It simply makes sense.

This is a technical instrument which reflects the ebb and flow, the rhythm, or lack thereof, of government investment and spending. As for Deputy Sean Fleming and Fianna Fáil, I will not oppose the carryover of much-needed resources to be invested in critical infrastructure. Why on earth would I or Sinn Féin do that?

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