Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will ask the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, to take the two questions on transport if that is okay. I will respond very briefly on the other matters. I thank Deputy Griffin very much for raising the issue of the posthumous pardon for Sylvester Poff and James Barrett and for his role in that campaign. His suggestion as regards Ballymullen Barracks is appropriate and I will certainly follow it up. I will liaise with him directly on that but it is a sensible and important thing the State could do to acknowledge this issue.

To respond to Deputy O'Dea's questions on UHL, I inquired into the matter only a couple of days ago. My understanding is that HIQA will now provide an interim report at the start of next year and a final report by next May. I know this is a matter of great worry and concern in the Deputy's region. We continue to keep in touch with it.

Deputy Verona Murphy's suggestion is sensible. I will certainly raise it with the Minister. She asked if we can look at fuel allowance eligibility for people who have cancer and who qualify for the medical card. That is a sensible suggestion made in good faith. I will raise it with the Minister.

Regarding Deputy Ó Cathasaigh's comments on Storm Babet, we need much better sharing of information, alerting of the public and early warning systems. Some of the freedom of information responses and the good work done by Carlow Weather and others in recent days have brought this to my attention. I will raise those issues directly with the Department of housing.

See this speech in context