Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I presume the Minister does not have figures on the backlog and the number of applications that are live and have not yet been completed. I understand that is what her Department is gathering and the information would be helpful. Perhaps "resistance" is the wrong word, but I know the Minister has raised this matter a number of times with the Minister, Deputy Ryan. Obviously, all of us have a job of work to do in putting it across to him nicely that funding is badly needed. If we could clear the backlog, perhaps the funding provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development would be enough. A joint venture between both Departments would be helpful and there is a role to play for the Department of Transport. All of us, including the Minister, have a job of work to do to convince the Minister, Deputy Ryan, that the funding would be appreciated and well spent.

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