Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In response to my last question on paid domestic leave entitlements, the Taoiseach cited the North as a reason for holding entitlements back. I will put on the record that north of the Border, there is an entitlement to ten days of leave on full pay. I reiterate my call to the Taoiseach to go back to the Minister and to ensure that domestic violence leave is at full pay.

I will raise the NESC findings from focus group work undertaken in the north west. Not surprisingly, the region's historically poor transport connectivity loomed large. There is no motorway, direct rail or air route from Dublin to Derry. Bear in mind Derry is the fourth-largest city in Ireland. An air connectivity review is committed to under the New Decade, New Approach agreement, which includes the Dublin-Derry route. Following a meeting with the cross-party delegation of councillors from Donegal, Derry and Strabane last year, the then Taoiseach indicated he was open to Government funding of Derry airport. The Minister of State at the Department of Transport subsequently met the board of management of City of Derry Airport.

Reopening the Dublin-Derry air route would create enormous economic and social opportunities for the north west. When can we expect the Minister for Transport to conclude his consideration of the data provided by Derry airport management? When will the air connectivity review be completed and published?

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