Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle because that was my question. I always get worried when I hear about there being a list because these lists go on and on. While I thank the Minister of State for his reply it is not actually a reply. First, the remedial works that were done did not cost €50,000. I have been up in the base several times. The minimum works were done and those works definitely did not come to €50,000. I have said that and I will say it repeatedly because that information is not true.

Second, I again ask the Minister of State to explain what he means by this project being second on a priority list. I have been told that originally we were fourth or fifth on a list, then I was told we were sixth on a list and now I am told we are the second highest. There is still no confirmation from this discussion with the Minister of State tonight that there is funding there, that there is a timescale for when it will happen, or what exactly is going to happen. I will be going back to the paramedics saying that I have been told they are on a list and that I do not know what funding is there. The only piece of information I seem to have received is the reference to the Kelvin Grove site list. I would like that information given to me in a letter, if the Minister of State would not mind. He mentioned a site but I need to have the site identified. I also need to know what is happening with the funding. When is it going to happen? As I said, I could not give our paramedics enough praise for how hard they work but I have been going back to them for years and years with the same thing and getting no answers whatsoever. It is disingenuous. Tonight I brought it up again and I am constantly putting in questions about this issue and bringing it up here. Again tonight I am not getting any answers. The paramedics who are saving lives and have worked through Covid and whatever else are not getting a building in 2021. We are now going into 2022 and they have a building that is not fit for purpose. It is not right and it is absolute neglect.

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