Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am afraid I do not have a date for the start of the Epilim inquiry. I understand that a number of cases have been settled in the courts but that is a separate matter from the inquiry. I will check in with the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, and ask him to give the Deputy an update on that.

On the Irish Water issue, I note this was on a Topical Issue matter last night. The Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Malcolm Noonan, has committed to following up with the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, on that and I will ask him to contact Deputy Danny Healy-Rae about that as well.

On the national roads programme, I appreciate Deputy Niamh Smyth's advocacy for Cavan and, indeed, for Monaghan and for Meath. We have roughly €500 million a year for the roads programme: approximately €250 million to maintain and upgrade the existing roads; and €250 million for new projects. It is not always possible to fully fund every project every year. When it comes to that region, Ardee is a priority. Slane is a priority, so is Clontibret to the Border. The whole thing links in with the A5 - a really important project for the whole country, not only for Cavan and Monaghan. What we have committed to is that if money becomes available during the year as some projects may not proceed, it can be reallocated. That may be possible for that project at some point later in the year.

See this speech in context