Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge that the budget was unprecedented, given that we are in unprecedented times and given there is a lot of uncertainty. One thing the budget brings to a lot of people and businesses is certainty. A few moments ago on the other side of the House it was suggested that there is still uncertainty but there are definite structures and announcements here, including for businesses, which are to be welcomed.

The Covid pandemic has brought enormous challenges and every aspect of our society has been affected. The budget was designed not only to rise to the challenges posed by the pandemic but also to rise to the challenges posed by Brexit.

I was pleased to see significant investment in health, housing and education, which reflect key Fianna Fáil priorities. Many important measures were included and I will mention some of them specifically.

I was delighted to see the Cabinet approve the new tender for the Dunkettle interchange upgrade. The project includes changes to the N8, the N25, and the N40 links to the R623 in Little Island and Bury's Bridge in Dunkettle, while also making provision for pedestrian and cyclist facilities. This is fantastic news for both Cork city and the greater Cork region. Once it proceeds, this project will transform the development potential of the Cork region and provide for many thousands of jobs. Currently, more than 100,000 people pass through the interchange every day. The upgraded interchange will have greater capacity to deal with this traffic and to provide for many more jobs.

The allocation of €10 million funding for Cork and Shannon airports is also to be welcomed. I have spoken about Cork Airport in the House in recent weeks and the ongoing difficulties it faces. As Cork Airport will have lost more than €23 million in revenue by year's end, this funding is crucial.

I acknowledge the allocation of €100 million for disability services. This is a significant investment but it is badly needed. I commend the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, on the work she has done in this area. The Minister of State visited a number of facilities in my constituency some time ago, including Cope Foundation in Montenotte. The Minister of State saw first-hand how stretched these services are.

Everyone in this House will agree because from our own constituency work, we have all seen that parents and carers of people with disabilities have really struggled throughout the pandemic. This funding is a vital lifeline for them and will help to alleviate the pressure families are under currently.

Finally as a schoolteacher, I welcome the various initiatives instigated by the Minister for Education and Skills. Over 2,100 new teachers and SNAs will be employed and the budget for special education will reach €2 billion, with an additional 400 special education teachers. The most significant move for me is the reduction in the pupil teacher ratio to 25:1 at primary level. There is also a significant budget of €740 million for capital investment in school buildings and I hope that projects in my constituency, such as a new school for Carrignavar, can be progressed.

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