I did not say that but if that is how the Tánaiste heard it, and if the cap fits, let the Tánaiste wear it.

The next slot is a Sinn Féin slot. I call Deputy Martin Kenny.

I want to take this opportunity to praise Wexford General Hospital and all those involved in dealing with its recent fire and the very successful evacuation from the fire service to the volunteers, the staff, the management and everybody else. There were two firemen who worked on the blaze for 20 minutes and they did a stellar job. Organisations have fire plans and procedures in place but we often do not expect them to be needed. The response was swift and everyone involved put their shoulder to the wheel to evacua…

No, the Deputy may please himself.

Not at all.

Before I call Deputy Connolly, I note that we have some esteemed veterans of the United Nations with us in the Gallery. Deputy Ward's dad is with us. They are quite welcome. I thank them for a service well provided. I call Deputy Connolly of the Independent Group. Is she sharing time?

That is not a point of order.

Deputy Durkan was not interrupted.

Deputy Connolly is entitled to her speech.

Excuse me. I am in the Chair.

Deputy Connolly is going to make her speech. I ask Deputy Durkan not to interrupt.

The Deputy can address the allegation at another time, not now on the floor.

The Deputy's time is up.

The Deputy is all right. She is well ahead of time.

I thank Deputy Connolly. The next slot will be taken by Sinn Féin. Deputy Kerrane has five minutes.

Last week, the elected representatives from Wexford met with the management of Wexford General Hospital. The Taoiseach will be aware there was a fire some three weeks ago. I heard Deputy Shanahan’s question to the Taoiseach this morning. It has put significant pressure on University Hospital Waterford. The difficulty is that Dr. Yousif, who is the sub-director, confirmed yesterday morning on South East Radio that it would be four to six weeks before the emergency department opened in Wexford again. I spoke with the…

I apologise for being late; it was due to the late delivery of the Government amendment. I welcome the Government decision to bring this Bill forward and to extend the time these tax reductions, and other supports, will be in place. However, while I agree in principle with the extension of the tax reductions I take major issue with the way the Government has decided to reapply the excise duty reductions on fuel. This is technical so I hope the Minister will listen intensely. This is dealt with in section 2. The exp…

I move amendment No. 1 to amendment No. 5: To insert the following after "increased capacity in the construction sector": "further calls on the Government to: — remove barriers for older people in long-term nursing home care who wish to lease out their homes, effective from 1st May, 2023; — increase the refurbishment grant rate for the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund Scheme, to reflect current building costs, effective from 1st May, 2023; — extend the Croí Cónaithe scheme to include properties which are made available f…

The sooner, the better.

A serious issue has arisen in Wexford. Unfortunately, the Minister for Health stated on local radio yesterday that following the fire at Wexford General Hospital, the emergency department is going to reopen tomorrow. This information was subsequently posted on Facebook by a number of people, including me. Many people contacted me to state that it is not true. I received a letter from the manager of the hospital, Linda O'Leary, to say that the emergency department will not be reopening tomorrow. All I am asking for …