Does the Minister agree that it is in Ireland's overwhelming national interest that an agreement be reached between the EU and the UK rather than having a no-deal Brexit? Will he indicate the absolute latest date for this? Is 31 December the latest date by which we can come to an agreement? Could an agreement signed as late as the end of next month be ratified after 1 January? There are reports that this might be possible and that the talking might go on until the last minute. If this is necessary, we should do it …

Does the Minister agree that, in the event of a no-deal Brexit, Northern Ireland, as compared to anywhere else in the European Union, including this State, will be in a uniquely favourable position with tariff-free access to both the British and European markets? Moreover, it will be the only sterling area within the Single Market. Are there concerns in the Government about the disadvantage that would put this part of the island at in the event of a no-deal Brexit?

As the Minister knows, I raised this issue with him some time ago. I have been concerned about it because it will have a devastating effect on businesses along the west coast. When I look at Connemara and the number of families who depend on craft shops to make their livelihoods over a few months, I see the disaster that this year has been because, even when it opened up, the kind of stock held by the shops was not really for Irish tourists and much of it had been bought for non-Irish tourists. I have expressed tim…

Bhí an-spéis agam sa mhéid a bhí le rá ag an Teachta romham. Tá cuid mhaith den cheart aige. Mar, ar ndóigh, tá ollfhadhbanna sna cathracha, go mór mhór ina Dháilcheantar féin. Before the Deputy leaves, I would just like to say that I listened very carefully to what he said, and he is absolutely right that there are mega-problems in our cities based in the communities. The Oliver Bond flats were prominent in the news recently. I know that complex quite well. I have a very good friend down there, a lady called Liz O…

My question is to ask the Minister the establishment number of the Defence Forces, broken down by Army, Naval Service and the Air Corps, and to compare that with the actual number serving. It is important we find that out, and then that the Minister might explain to us why that is the way it is.

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive answer. Perhaps he could outline for me when this divergence started taking place between the establishment strength of the Defence Forces and the position we find ourselves in today whereby we are 10% down in each service. What steps were taken once it became apparent that there was a difficulty retaining and recruiting people to the Defence Forces? What steps were taken once that divergence became apparent? It seems to me that this is a long-standing problem and that eve…

One of the attractions previously of serving in the Garda or the Army was that when a person went out on pension, he or she could get a new job and have the pension. My understanding is that that was changed in the past ten years to a situation where, if a person who leaves with a pension takes up public service employment and does the same full amount of work as his or her colleagues, equal pay for equal work does not apply because there is an abatement of the pension. However, if that person moves into the privat…

I will start with a specific provision in the Bill, which states that a tourist from a non-EU country has to purchase something with a value of more than €175 to get the VAT rebate. This has been an incredibly important scheme for craft shops and other businesses around the country, particularly in areas where a high proportion of the economy is based on tourism. There are many jobs involved. All the craft shop owners will say that while these tourists might make multiple purchases in one shop and might spend quite…

Nílim in ann canadh.

May I mention the "D" word, namely, decentralisation? It has been out of favour. Previously, decentralisation involved moving whole sections of Departments, but my idea involves a different type of decentralisation. Working from home is fine for many people, but people need socialisation at work. It is also important for the workplace. Instead of bringing people back to their parent Departments, could there be Civil Service offices, perhaps in premises currently held, where people from different Departments could w…

When the pier went in, it was a revolution on the island. If the Minister knows Inis Meáin or visits the island she will understand. It was built at the only place on the island where it was possible to create a harbour. It was known from the beginning that phase 1 would not do the full job. However, it has made it possible for the passenger ferry to go in, even though there are some issues at the mouth - we understand that. Yet, the cargo boat does not go in. I have raised with the Minister previously the critical…

As a contingency, if Deputy O'Donnell turns up I will share time with him but if he does not, I reserve the right to keep going. There was a time when much time was given to the Finance Bill and I was a little disappointed to find that it is to finish this evening. I noticed in recent Dáileanna-----

Good. I am glad to hear that.

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I note every time I get on to the Whip's office I am told I will have five minutes, ten minutes or whatever.

There must be some misunderstanding.

I cannot understand. I asked the Whip's office for 20 minutes and it said had a limited number of slots.

I will certainly.

Glacaim le comhairle an Leas-Cheann Comhairle mar is í an Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

Sin an fáth go bhfuil an Leas-Cheann Comhairle ann, le comhairle a thabhairt.

Gabhaim an-bhuíochas-----