There was an exchange a few moments ago relating to Deputy Devine's contribution. To clarify that everything that was said was allowable under Standing Orders, I just asked for advice on foot of the Deputy's request to me as Chair.

And look-----

-----it is perfectly allowable-----

We will proceed to the Government slot.

Deputy Lahart wanted to make a remark in response to Deputy Devine.

I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Aidan Farrelly - To discuss to lack of school places and school building projects in Kildare. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú - To discuss the difficulties in mental health services in the Louth-Meath area. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss the introduction of a youth culture card. Deputy Darren O'Rourke - To discuss the need for extra mainstream primary school…

I thank the Ministers of State and Deputies for their contributions. Given the upcoming festivities, I wish everybody a happy St. Patrick's Day.

I raise the issue of the Castlemartyr and Killeagh bypass with the announcement of national roads funding imminent. My question is on the appointment of a design consultant. We are due to see funding allocated shortly for national road projects but the appointment of a design consultant is necessary for this project to advance. I would appreciate if the Taoiseach could comment on this to see if the Government will support this to happen and to allow the project to progress.

I thank Deputies for their participation in this important debate to mark Seachtain na Gaeilge.

Amendments Nos. 2 to 4, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together. Is that agreed? Agreed. Amendment No. 3 is a physical and logical alternative to amendment No. 2.

Does Deputy Nash wish to move amendment No. 3?

Deputy Doherty has indicated he does not intend to move amendment No. 4.

I congratulate the Minister on his appointment. I will ask about the very important issue of the upgrade of the N25 between Midleton and Youghal. This is one of the most dangerous sections of national road in the country. It has a long record of multiple, fatal and serious road traffic accidents causing lifelong injuries for those who have been sadly impacted. I have been very passionate about raising with the Government the matter of bypassing Castlemartyr and Killeagh villages. With funding due in the coming week…

I thank the Minister. I welcome his words on this and, as he has mentioned, the fact he came with me to visit the east Cork area, particularly the town of Youghal. Economically, Youghal needs a serious lift. People there have lost all faith in the Government. I do not believe the majority of the community there would have any issue with me stating that. As a local TD who lives there and who was born and raised in the area, I understand why. The lack of industry, jobs and investment and recent decisions on the large…

I thank the Minister and welcome his reply. I know from his time in the Department of housing that he has often faced down difficult challenges in respect of banging heads together to try to get results. It is not always achievable overnight; it takes years of hard work to make these things happen. One of the positive decisions taken, for which I fought in the programme for Government submission I made, was on the need for multi-annual road funding to give certainty to contractors involved in capital projects. We h…

I wish to raise the issue of special classes in east Cork area with the Tánaiste and the Government. We need to see further provision for huge backlogs, particularly in the Youghal area. Is this something the Government can commit to looking into, considering the deficit of these services in east Cork, which unfortunately is one of the worst performing regions in the country? I met parents in Pobalscoil na Tríonóide recently with Deputy Quaide of the Social Democrats, and their anxiety and frustrations in this rega…

Sorry, Deputy, your time is up.

Deputy Catherine Connolly is sharing time with Deputy Boyd Barrett.

Lean ar aghaidh. Ceart go leor.

I congratulate Deputy Boland on her maiden contribution. I welcome the opportunity to discuss the state of affairs on the agrifood sector in Ireland as somebody who lives on a dairy farm in east Cork. I grew up on one and am the son of a dairy farmer and my mother has worked for nearly four decades in the dairy industry. Agriculture has been the cornerstone of my upbringing and my life and it remains a very important characteristic of the economy of the constituency of Cork East. In my first contribution on agricul…