Grace O'Sullivan (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I would like to extend my best wishes to former Senator Landy, who tendered his resignation today. Denis was a great support to me when I became an elected Member of Seanad Éireann.

I will speak briefly on the resignation of the former Tánaiste, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, and the latest political crisis that has threatened the stability of the country at a crucial time as we head into Brexit negotiations and as we work to pass the budget. There was the threat of an election over a complex issue that few have been able to follow in all its detail. There were public meetings and canvassing in Waterford this week and last, and the message clearly was that this had to be sorted out and an election avoided. I am glad to see the threat of an election receding but we need to ensure that this does not end in resignations alone.Resignations do not resolve issues, rather root-and-branch reform of systems is what is required. This is why the Green Party tried to amend the terms of reference of the inquiry earlier this year to include the Department of Justice and Equality in the remit. All sides now need to work together to ensure that the full truth emerges at the inquiry in the new year and that the resolution of these issues will follow from its findings, including real changes to the way the Department handles such cases and information into the future.

The reason we need to get back to the work we were elected to do here is that people want action on local and national issues that affect their everyday lives. In Waterford, there are particular issues that are constraining the immense potential of the city and the metropolitan area. At recent events in the city highlighting digital creativity, community voluntary activity, regional development and educational opportunities, the intelligence, skills, eagerness and potential energy of the people of Waterford city and county were always evident. I would like to ask the Leader when the Government will be delivering the funds that are promised to the North Quays Strategic Development Zone in Waterford city. With the public consultation closing this week, and a city transport development plan under discussion that will reshape the face of the city, it is crucial that Waterford city's position as the capital of the south east is locked down in the developing national planning framework and the capital investment plan. Greater certainty around the provision of emergency medical care in the region is crucial for the continued development of the city and county, and this is something I expect the Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, will be addressing shortly as part of a national review of services.

Of particular and immediate concern is the nature of emergency medical transport for the region, as well as the provision of out-of-hours cardiac and mental health care. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation recently met in Waterford city. The committee heard from experts in the region about these issues and the crucial need for a technological university for the south east region that could go so far to unlock its potential. I am eager to debate this in more detail, and I hope we have the opportunity to do so in the House soon.