I thank the Minister for the clarification regarding the N6 junction 19 proposals, the N83, the improvements for Oranmore and the railway station. I will return to where I started. Almost 20 years ago, we put a proposal that park and ride be rolled out on the east and west into the city development plan. Twenty years later, we are being told that there is work on the east side. There is absolutely nothing on the west side - the Connemara side - that is being put into the long-term plans. I know the Minister shares …

I am reluctant to blame a planning system that successive Governments have run down completely. We were in Mayo last week where planning vacancies were pointed out, so I am not going down that route. I place the responsibility firmly on the Government. I cannot describe the frustration. The traffic in Galway has been like this for years. In my opinion, it has been allowed to be left like that because of policy decisions. I know the Minister agrees with me on this. Policy decisions have ensured that no serious actio…

Baineann mo cheist le scoil faoi leith i nGaillimh agus go háirithe leis an rochtain atá ag muintir na háite atá in abhantrach na scoile uirthi. My question relates to a specific school in Galway but it has more general application in regard to the difficulties that people on the ground in the catchment area of the school have in accessing this school. I ask the Minister to provide a map of the catchment plan for the school and to address the issues arising.

I welcome the fact the Minister is going to publish the parameters, although I am not sure of what. Will that relate to the catchment areas? I realise it is up to the boards of management but very specific issues are arising with huge implications for other policies. The school in question is on the west side of the city and there is a waiting list. Students with different needs, some of them physical and medical needs, cannot access the school of their choice within walking and cycling distance. What is happening …

I thank the Minister for clarifying the matter. It is my understanding that the boards of management are free to do what they want with regard to the criteria they set down. However, the catchment area would seem to be one of the most basic requirements, particularly if we are to align our policies with active travel and climate change. It makes no sense for people to be travelling out of the area and across town in desperate traffic. Does the Minister have plans to review what boards of management are doing to see…

The Minister might address the issue of alignment with policy.

I thank the Tánaiste. He will have a chance to come back in.

The Deputy will have eight minutes to respond. It is four minutes for each of the questions. I apologise for interrupting him.

I was taken by surprise myself with the two questions being amalgamated. The Deputy has one minute - both sides are gaining a little time.

Thank you Deputy. I call the on the Tánaiste to conclude.

Deputy, I have given great discretion.

Thank you, Deputy. We are way over time.

Is it a point of order?

What is the point of order?

I am not sure it is a point of order. It sounds like a point of information. I will leave it to the Ceann Comhairle.

I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 37 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Gino Kenny - To discuss the lack of public health nurses in Dublin Mid-West. Deputy Alan Dillon - To discuss early intervention methods for early years education. Deputy James O'Connor - To discuss the urgent need for childcare spaces in the Midleton area following the devastation of Storm Babet. Deputy Bernard Durkan - To discuss the necessity of extr…

I thank the Deputy for making up time for me.

The Select Committee on Transport and Communications has completed its consideration of the following Supplementary Estimate for Public Services for the service of the year ending on 31 December 2023: Vote 31 - Transport and Communications. The Select Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media has completed its consideration of the following Supplementary Estimate for Public Services for the service of the year ending 31 December 2023: Vote 33 - Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Medi…

Is lá thar a bheith tábhachtach do mhuintir na Palaistíne é seo. Beidh deireadh leis an sos cogaidh inniu muna ngéilleann Iosrael don bhrú leanúint ar aghaidh leis. Chomh maith leis sin, is lá faoi leith é seo, Lá Idirnáisiúnta um Dhlúthpháirtíocht le Muintir na Palaistíne, atá ag tarlú gach bliain ó 1977. Chomh maith leis sin, ar an lá seo in 1947, ghlac Comhthionól Ginearálta na Náisiún Aontaithe le rún a chur tús leis an gcríochdheighilt agus leis an réiteach dhá-thír. Today is a very special and important day f…

I have done my best in three minutes to give the Minister a background, but still she stands up and condemns Hamas without condemning-----