Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

First, as the Minister would expect, I will be clinical and fair about all things to do with this debate. The Minister knows the personal regard I have for him in his role. I need not go into it. My late father thought highly of the Minister and his work ethic and I am certainly not going to change from that tune.

However, we have problems in rural Ireland. I will be the first person to commend the Minister personally for certain actions that he has taken, but he got some guidance during the 74 days of negotiations for Government. The Minister, Deputy Ring, had myself and others, including Deputy Michael Collins, who is behind me, reminding him about the importance of the local improvement scheme. The Minister listened to what we said and he argued for the €10 million per year.

I certainly appreciate it very much and on behalf of the people of Kerry, I thank the Minister. We have been punching above our weight because we have an excellent county council, county engineers and local area engineers who spend the money that he sends to us. We spend it so quickly that we are able to put our hand out again and look for more. We will be doing that very soon and I hope that we will get a positive response. We are grateful for the money we have got, we have nearly spent it, and we will look for more. I ask the Minister in advance for that. If other counties cannot spend it, send it on to us and we will not let him down.

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