Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I rise to raise two issues, the first of which relates to the leaving certificate. I had called for a hybrid leaving certificate. I have been contacted by many students, not just from Limerick, but from across the country. I am really disappointed with the proposal brought forward by the Minister, Deputy Foley. Last Monday, I was in a DEIS school where not only every student sitting the leaving certificate but every teacher in the school as well believes the right thing to happen is to have a balanced leaving certificate. Many of the students who will sit the leaving certificate this year did not even sit the junior certificate. They have been badly affected by Covid. It would have been great to reintroduce the leaving certificate. Obviously, all present realise it needs to be amended but I do not believe this is the right year in which to bring back the full leaving certificate.

The second issue is that An Bord Pleanála decided today to defer its determination in respect of the road from Limerick to Foynes, which would include a bypass of Adare. Limerick and Ireland are hoping to host the Ryder Cup in Adare in 2027. It will be one of the biggest tourism events in the country. The more often this decision is put off, the more likely it is that the road will not be built in time for the Ryder Cup to be held. I strongly believe the Government needs to put pressure on An Bord Pleanála to deliver or to make a decision in respect of this project because it is so pertinent not only to the mid-west but to all of Ireland. There is no point in hosting an event of this size if the roads are going to be congested.