Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the first question, I have not reviewed any of these arrangements that exist in the Department. They seem to be working well and I have had no specific complaints from Independents as to how they operate. Independent Deputies will from time to time contact the unit about issues they may have, almost always relating to their constituencies. It is in many ways a path finding service such that they know who is the right person to speak to in the line Minister's office in terms of getting answers. That is generally how it works or, at least, to the best of my knowledge that is how it works.

In regard to Project Ireland 2040, the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, was consulted and engaged with on the plan. He is a member of the Independent Alliance and he is also assistant Whip for the Government and so it makes sense that he would be consulted on the plan. I am not aware of any Independent other than those who are Ministers being involved in drawing up the plan but it is possible that they engaged directly with the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, and the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Murphy, as would be the normal course of events as they as Ministers, and their Departments, were the main authors of the plan. Also, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Naughten, has a particular role in keeping in touch with the rural Independents, which he does periodically, and so it is quite possible that there is engagement through those routes but not through me.

For clarity, I should point out that Project Ireland 2040 does not designate any new capitals or monarchs in our country but it does designate a regional centre for growth in the midlands, which is Athlone, and another in Sligo for the north west and also recognises the M1 growth corridor, involving Dundalk, Drogheda and development of the Newry-Dublin Airport and Swords corridor. I do not believe or accept that I attacked anyone. I will stand up to anyone who makes allegations that are not based on fact or evidence. I will always do that. It is the right thing to do.

In regard to the different perspectives of the Independents and how they think, it is not possible for me to speak for them. I am sure they can speak for themselves.

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