Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I draw the House's attention to the publication yesterday of the 2025 quarter 1 business outlook report from Dublin Chamber of Commerce. This body represents more than 200 businesses in the capital. Being a Dub, I am always looking for an opportunity to champion our great capital but it is really important for everybody in the House to recognise that by 2040, more than 54% of the country's population will live in the city. A total of 1 million people live in Dublin and 50% of the gross value added in the country is generated in Dublin along with 55% of all tax returns. It is really important that we acknowledge the achievement of enterprise in the capital and the contribution enterprise is making in the capital not just in raw terms of creating employment and providing services but by the State and the Government in particular supporting these enterprises. The chamber members are calling for an acceleration of investment in infrastructure and services and for them, housing is the number one priority. They are also asking for help in tackling rising costs and economic uncertainty. I ask that at some point in the schedule the House take times to debate the future of our capital because it is home to our great academic institutions from the National College of Ireland to Trinity College, TUI Dublin, DCU and UCD. I also acknowledge all the culture that exists here and all of the enterprise and employment that is created here not just for those of us who have privilege of living in the capital but for everyone who visits as well.