Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for that commitment to funding but, as I stated, multi-annual funding is needed. I have to come in here every September and bring this issue to the fore in order for it to be announced that we are getting the funding. That is not acceptable. Mr. Kieran Mulvey, the just transition commissioner appointed by the Government, recommended that a multi-annual arrangement be put in place up to 2026. That is the minimum needed. We do not want our finance department to be doing the books again next year and trying to prepare for the year ahead without knowing what the financial situation will be. Local authority members are looking at the possibility of rate increases whereas if multi-annual funding was put in place, there would be no discussions on this. They would know where we stand up to 2027 and could then work on it. I ask that this be taken back to the Department and commitments given. When I raised this issue as a Commencement matter 12 months ago, I was told it would be considered and put in place but that has not been done. I am asking that it be put in place so that we can have that certainty for the next four years.