Dáil debates

Wednesday, 10 December 2014

12:30 pm

Photo of Seán BarrettSeán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Before commencing the Order of Business, I call on the Taoiseach to make an announcement to the House.

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Two weeks off.

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I wish to announce for the information of the Dáil that the Government yesterday assigned Deputy Ann Phelan to be Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government with special responsibility for local community rural economic development issues, including implementation of the CEDRA report. This is in addition to her existing responsibilities as Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport with special responsibility for rural economic development, implementation of the CEDRA report and rural transport.

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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I thought Deputy Butler might have got a job.

Photo of Timmy DooleyTimmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Pat Spillane will listen to that with interest.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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On a point of order, is there any opportunity to discuss that matter or the report?

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Could we have extra time?

Photo of Seán BarrettSeán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No. There is no provision for it in the Standing Orders. This is an announcement.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I know, but it is very late in the day. The story of the Government regarding rural Ireland has been one of consistent neglect.

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Ask Pat Spillane.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Pat Spillane said that.

Photo of Sandra McLellanSandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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He is one of the Government's advisers.

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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As Deputies are aware, there is a €2.5 billion allocation for rural Ireland in the rural development programme.

Photo of Mattie McGrathMattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Big Phil Hogan went to Brussels.

(Interruptions).

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Remember insulation aid? Fianna Fáil got rid of that.

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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There is a new super junior Minister coming up.

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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As Deputy Martin is aware, there is a €2.5 billion allocation for rural development under the CAP programme.

(Interruptions).

Photo of Noel CoonanNoel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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A few hundred quid.

Photo of Mattie McGrathMattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Phil Hogan put paid to that.

(Interruptions).