Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In any case the decision has been made and if the Deputy feels things have not been done correctly, there are other avenues he can go down.

I have stated the facts about rural investment and investment in the regions. There has never been greater investment than since this Government came into office. If you look at local property tax, we have allocated an additional €75 million to our local authorities. With a commitment we gave in the programme for Government, we ensured that 100% of the local property tax raised in a county stays in that county; 100% retention. We revised the baselines so we are making sure our local authorities are better funded than they have ever been.

If the Deputy talks to Moira Murrell and the excellent team in Kerry County Council, they will him directly that they have never received more investment or staff than they have from this Government. That is just the reality. Is everything perfect? No, it is not. I will raise the Deputy's point regarding driving tests with the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, who is working on the matter.

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