Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

When things were normal, this process took 12 to 18 months. Now, people have been waiting for well over two years. There has been no progress. Quite frankly, given that every other aspect of public life has opened, it makes no sense that the Department of Foreign Affairs continues to pause this service. I am raising the matter again in the hope the Leader will raise it with the Minister and the Department.

I welcome the appointment this week of Professor Philip Nolan, the former President of Maynooth University, as the incoming director general of Science Foundation Ireland. He has provided great leadership during this difficult period, This appointment presents an opportunity for us to separate the role of director general of Science Foundation Ireland and that of the chief scientific adviser. This is something many in the science and research community, including the Royal Irish Academy, have called for for some time. It is important that this is done. As I said, this appointment provides that opportunity. I intended to table a Commencement matter on this issue, but I ask that the Leader would raise it with the Minister.

Yesterday was the 14th anniversary of the murder of Paul Quinn, who was beaten to death in County Monaghan by a provisional IRA gang. His parents, Breege and Stephen, have long sought justice for their son, an innocent man. The Garda have said that they now have fresh information. Could we, through this House, appeal that anybody with information about this savage killing would come forward to give some level of peace to his family?