Simon Harris
Wicklow · Fine Gael · Ireland
“There are more than 10,000 routes and thousands of buses involved and the number of students using the services is not a million miles away from 200,000. The current terms of the scheme are going to continue to apply for the 2026-27 school year.”
“I thank Deputy McDonald for raising what is genuinely an important issue. I do take the point that when we talk about this in the abstract or from a process point of view in here, that for people watching this is their real lived experience.”
“There number of children who have been supported by means of the school transport scheme, as Deputy Fitzmaurice knows and has alluded to, has grown significantly in recent years. Since 2018, the number increased from 120,000 in 2018 to more than 181,000 now. Included in that figure are 24,000 pupils with special educational needs.”
“I knew the Deputy would have to mention the GAA, especially with Galway and Limerick playing at the weekend. I wish everybody involved the best of luck. We are very committed to the school transport scheme. If the Deputy wants to see our commitment, he should look to our budget.”
“An ageing population, increasing healthcare needs, the transition to net zero and the need for continued investment in housing, energy and infrastructure will place a significant demand on public resources.”
“There is also a legitimacy to the point the Deputy made about how it is a legitimate form of transport for some people. We see this working in other European countries. We see it in our nearest neighbours. I do not want to get the regime wrong, but I think they have registration at the point of purchase that allows people to track this.”
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“It is a conversation that should be informed by respect rather than division, by careful preparation, not by seeking to label each other based on our position on a specific piece of legislation and based on consent rather than compulsion. If we are to achieve a united Ireland, and we will, it will not be built by one party or one Government. It will be built by the people. It will be built democratically, and it will endure only if it is founded on the principles that have served this island so well: peace, partnership and consent.”
“I do not believe we need a Bill to prepare and I do not believe that constitutional change should be tied to arbitrary timelines or that a citizens' assembly is best way, and nor did the Good Friday Agreement report when it looked at this issue on a cross-party basis and suggested a better model of a forum, which deserves serious consideration. These are not reasons to avoid engagement. They are reasons to deepen it. My commitment this evening is to continue working across this House with party leaders from all parties in government and in opposition to advance the conversation that is under way and will continue on the preparation that is required.”
“Last September, alongside the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, I announced a joint framework on legacy. Legacy remains one of the deepest wounds left by the Troubles. Families deserve truth. They deserve accountability and, where possible, they deserve justice. Turning to the legislation before us - and let me again say I do not doubt Deputy McDonald's bona fides; I do not doubt anyone’s bona fides - the reason I do not support this Bill is that I do not believe that we need it to prepare. I am happy to engage.”
“I also want to acknowledge the impact of the shared island initiative and credit the Taoiseach with his leadership in relation to this. While we may be political rivals from time to time, I will not stand for a situation where the Taoiseach is described as a block in relation to unity when he has done so much for peace on this island. The shared island initiative represents the largest ever investment made in practical North-South co-operation. Whether through improved transport links, research, education, enterprise, tourism or healthcare, these projects are improving people's daily lives, regardless of constitutional preference, because practical co-operation helps build that trust and it helps build that future. That same practical approach must underpin our engagement with the British Government.”
“That has been the approach of this Government and our position is clear. It is reflected in the programme for Government, which commits us to the unity of the Irish people while remaining steadfast in implementing the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts. That remains our guiding principle. The Good Friday Agreement provides the democratic, peaceful and agreed pathway to constitutional change, should it be the will of the people North and South. It is one of the greatest achievements in the history of this island and I believe one of the greatest peace agreements anywhere in the world. It replaced conflict with consent, division with dialogue and violence with democratic choice. These principles must continue to guide every discussion about our constitutional future.”
“Constitutional change cannot be driven by deadlines or arbitrary timelines and it cannot rest on assumptions. If it is to happen it has to be carefully prepared for, honestly debated and, above all, built on durable consent. That means listening to every community and every tradition. It means recognising that constitutional change would require significant adjustments for everyone. It is not simply a merger or a takeover. It means understanding that for many people, particularly those within the unionist tradition, these questions are deeply personal and cannot be dismissed. If we are serious about building a shared future then reassurance has to come before rhetoric, persuasion has to come before politics and reconciliation is a requirement for constitutional change.”
“We may differ on process, we may differ on timing and we may differ on the structures that should guide these discussions, but none of these differences absolve us of the responsibility to engage or the responsibility to prepare. That is why as leader of Fine Gael I recently outlined my own party's intention to publish later this year a new policy paper setting out our vision for the future of this island. Our aim is to engage with every tradition and every identity to encourage informed discussion and to identify the practical, economic, constitutional and societal questions that would need to be addressed were Ireland to be united. Nobody should fear these conversations: they are legitimate, they are necessary and they are already happening. Conversation, however, is not the same as countdown.”
“I fully accept the bona fides of Deputy McDonald and her colleagues in bringing forward this legislation. While we differ on the approach, I do not question the sincerity of their ultimate objective. We all seek a better future for this island but there are genuine differences across the political spectrum on how we best go about that and how we best achieve that future. Respectfully, I do not think it is a question of courage. Nor do I think it is a question of if you are in favour of this legislation then you are in favour of a united Ireland, and if you are not in favour of the legislation then you do not wish to prepare. It is clearly much deeper than that.”
“Let me say at the outset that I want to see our island united, I want to see our people united and I want to see a united Ireland. I want to work across party lines in this House, across this island North and South and, indeed, east-west, to build the durable consent that would make a new Ireland possible. I believe that is an aspiration shared in one form or another by an overwhelming majority of Members of this House. I know how this Chamber often works. I am expected to stand up and say that the Opposition is bad and the Government is good, and they stand up and say the Government is bad and the Opposition is good. I think on an issue as profound as constitutional change, encompassed by the Good Friday Agreement, we owe the people something better than that. We owe each other respect and we should acknowledge each other's bona fides.”
“Those regional hearing centres could make a real difference in speeding up those times and I know it is something the board is open to as well.”
“I thank Deputy Roche for raising this issue. I will reflect on what he says in respect of the actual process itself. Specifically on the issue of the length of time for appeals, I acknowledge the appeals board is independent but the board does run regional clinics on occasion where appropriate facilities can be sourced and where there is sufficient demand and attendance. For instance, over the past 12 months, it held these regional clinics in Cork and Galway and I think that helped somewhat with those delays. I am advised that the location of alternative regional clinics is kept under review by the board. This is very welcome. On foot of the Deputy raising the matter today, I will ask that his views are conveyed to the board as well.”
“As is often the way, there is a lot of logic in what the Deputy is suggesting. We have to consider these matters as part of the budgetary process. I am proud that we are in a Government that has significantly expanded the fuel allowance and made sure that more homes and more people than ever before are receiving it. We have increased the amount of the fuel allowance and took the decision to extend the fuel allowance season this year when the energy prices went in a very bad direction globally and in Ireland. The Deputy is making the point that there is a certain cohort of people of an age who still do not qualify and he would like that examined. On foot of his raising this, I will ask the Minister, Deputy Calleary, to give it consideration and come back to the Deputy directly.”
“We need to do work in whatever the appropriate committee is - the Committee on Members' Interests or the Oireachtas Commission - on how we are going to bring accountability. This is an organisation with vast sums of public money. Deputy McGrath's frustration is shared by Deputies across the House.”
“I am only one Member of this House - it is for the House to consider this - but it is my very clear view that Uisce Éireann should be accountable to Dáil Eireann through parliamentary questions. I do not understand why it is not. It was intended to be set up in a different way. Deputy McGrath will remember those battles. He referenced my former colleague, the then Minister, Phil Hogan, but it has not been established in that way. Therefore, I think it should be covered. I do not think it is acceptable. I do not blame the Ceann Comhairle or the Leas-Cheann Comhairle - far from it - but at the moment if a Deputy asks a question about Uisce Éireann, it is ruled out of order. If we ask a question about the HSE, the Minister answers it and refers it to the HSE.”
“I thank Deputy McGrath. As is often the case I agree with some of what he says and disagree with some of it also. The establishment of Uisce Éireann, to have one national body for co-ordinating and directing a very significant level of investment in water quality, water services and the water supply we need for housing, is a good thing. I genuinely believe that and I stand over that decision. However, the Deputy raised two other issues. One is the boil water notices in his constituency and the very significant impact they have had on his constituents. I will raise that with Irish Water and ask that it comes back to him directly. The second issue is the accountability of Irish Water.”
“The Minister, Deputy Naughton, and the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Moynihan, and their officials are ready and willing to constructively work and engage with Fórsa and all stakeholders to address any concerns or issues. We all want to get agreement on this. In fairness, I know the SNAs want to get agreement on it. They have waited a long time for it. This was seen as an important step forward. We need to hear what was behind the outcome of the ballot to see if we can tease through some of the issues. We look forward to hearing from Fórsa after the meeting next Wednesday.”
“I thank Deputy Kenny. First, I respect the outcome of the ballot because it is important that processes are respected. I know Fórsa opened a consultation ballot. It is important to say that the union representing SNAs did recommend acceptance of the plan but the members rejected it. That is a statement of fact too and that is how democracy works. In terms of what happens next and what now, Fórsa has said it will consider the outcome carefully. I understand, as the Deputy outlined, that its education divisional executive committee will meet next Wednesday to consider the outcome and determine the next steps. We, as a Government, and the Department await the feedback from Fórsa's engagement with its members. We are respectful of that.”
“I hope we can focus on public transport and bus provision in the forthcoming budget because it has been a challenging year for Local Link and the likes.”
“Deputy O'Donoghue is having a busy day. I thank him for raising the issue of the 33 bus again. I take the point that there is always a balance between the reliability of the service and increasing the frequency of it. I know the Minister's aim in the first instance is to improve reliability. The Deputy has put forward some suggestions as to measures that could be taken that would pass the common-sense test in terms of helping get people to and from train stations and the likes. I am very much aware that he represents a constituency with a growing and young population where investment in public transport is crucial. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, to come back to the Deputy in the first instance.”
“I am very happy to meet the NTA with Deputy Whitmore in relation to this and to try to get this bus service up and running as quickly as possible.”
“I genuinely thank Deputy Whitmore for her work on this. I know her work to get this bus service up and running is sincere. I very much support it. This is where State agencies have to stop with the codology. Deputy Whitmore and I did not make up that this bus was coming to Wicklow. This information flowed from the NTA. She is right that certain bus routes have started and certain other ones have not. I watched back some of the NTA's contribution in response to the Deputy. Deputy Whitmore and I, as a Wicklow TD, were given assurances that this bus service was to be delivered within the timeline. I expect State agencies to keep to the commitments they give and not to go into Oireachtas committees with measly words and try to suggest that somehow the idea just dropped from the sky. It came from the NTA.”
“I thank Deputy Crowe. I can hear his frustration. From memory, I think the waiting time for driving tests is falling, albeit from a very high place. I take the point that there can be geographic differences in relation to that too. I am not sure of the situation in relation to the Sandyford test centre but on foot of the Deputy raising it, I will speak to the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, who has responsibility for the RSA and road safety to see what can be done. More broadly, we are having a conversation about the role of the RSA. I will come back to the Deputy directly and see what can be done for the people in Tallaght and Dún Laoghaire on those wait times.”
“I do not honestly know the answer to the question of whether we have one. I have not seen it if we do, so I presume we have not. On foot of the Deputy raising this, I will ask the relevant Ministers to take a look at it because I am conscious he is a doctor as well as a Deputy and there is a very clear differentiation between what he is trying to achieve from an economic point of view and the broader discussion in relation to cannabis and the likes. That idea of the industrial use of hemp and the good that could come of it is certainly something that should be explored. I will perhaps ask the Minister, Deputy Burke, in the first instance to come back to the Deputy.”
“I think Deputy McCormack for raising this issue. I will discuss it with the Minister, Deputy Burke, and ask that he revert to the Deputy. More broadly, the IDA is continuing to deliver very successful results in a very challenging environment and is securing more sites that, as the Deputy said, are able to be accessed because they have the enabling infrastructure to try to keep ahead of the curve. The world is getting more and more competitive. It is more vital than ever to have that joined-up approach to securing sites but also to ensure they are functional and ready to rock. That is an absolute imperative. I will speak to the Minister and he will revert to the Deputy.”
“I thank Deputy Nolan for raising this issue in relation to access to occupational therapy for older people. I will speak to the Minister about that broader issue but also specifically the issue she has raised regarding that elderly gentleman who is seeking an assessment and has a number of medical referrals. If she wants to send me the information, I will ask the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, to engage with the HSE and come back to her.”
“I thank Deputy Mythen for raising this issue in relation to primary care services in County Wexford and the impact it is having on children waiting longer periods on waiting lists. I will certainly raise this issue with the Minister for Health and ask that she discuss it specifically with that CHO and the HSE to see what more can be done to make progress. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, to come back to the Deputy directly.”
“On foot of the Deputy raising it, I will engage directly with the Minister for Transport and others, and we will come back to her to see what more can be done.”
“This a great round of Questions on Policy or Legislation. We have gone from GAA pitches to concert events. The Deputy raises a very important point. It is great to see the level of activity and the concerts going on right across the country and particularly the city and county of Dublin. Deputy Boland is right; the joy can be somewhat taken out of that if there are real challenges in terms of traffic, congestion and a lack of co-ordination. I know that is an issue that can affect her own constituency of Dublin Fingal West, particularly during the summer months. As she said, the NTA is the organisation with statutory responsibility for pulling all of this together. There is significant collaboration between the NTA and all public transport operators, but I think she is right. There is an issue that needs to be resolved.”
“That contribution made me smile to see the positivity, infectiousness and county pride the GAA can bring. I look forward to attending that game because, of course, what the Deputy did not say in her contribution, is that County Wicklow is in the Tailteann Cup final on the same day, just before that match. Wicklow will beat Down and then Louth and Mayo I am not getting involved in, but I wish everybody well. I take the point about the large-scale projects. Indeed, I had an opportunity quite a while ago to meet with some of the Louth county board members while I was in Louth, and I know how serious this project is. It is the county that has the outstanding need for those county grounds. I have spoken to the Minister, Deputy O’Donovan, about it before.”
“I would be happy to visit Scoil Padre Pio. If the Deputy wants to liaise with me, I will make arrangements to do that in due course in the new school year. I thank the school, based on what the Deputy has told me, for the leadership role it is playing in the provision of special education. I will certainly speak with the Minister, Deputy Naughton, about the school building project. What I would say all Members of this House, including Deputy O'Flynn, is that while we have announced a significant increase in capital funding for schools, it is not the final word on the matter. There will be a requirement for additional capital funding for school projects. There are quite a number at stage 2b. The Government has additional capital to allocate as part of our medium-term fiscal plan and we will work our way through that in the time ahead.”
“I may have to ask the Minister to come back on some of the specifics, but I know that the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 sets out a clear process for what should happen when a new standard is made available. It requires that a review of the operation of the Act commences within three months of that standard being published. The Minister for housing now intends to commence a review of the operation of the Act in the coming weeks. I will ask him to keep in close contact with the Deputy on that. In the meantime, the scheme can continue to operate and fix homes for many homeowners who have already received a determination and a grant amount under the former scheme. I will ask the Minister to come back to the Deputy specifically on those questions.”
“Everyone wants to see progress on this. The Minister is pursuing a reform agenda. No one wants to see justice in any way delayed or disrupted. I am informed that no solicitor has formally resigned or withdrawn their name from the criminal legal aid panel, but I have certainly heard media commentary to the contrary. I think three solicitors wrote to the Department indicating they would be seeking to withdraw from the panel, but I hope a resolution can be found. I understand and support the reforms the Minister is trying to bring about.”
“I thank Deputy Ahern for that colourful intervention, but on an important matter. The Minister for justice has introduced an 8% increase in criminal legal aid fees payable to solicitors and barristers in both the Circuit Court and High Court from 1 July. This is now a total restoration of criminal legal aid fees cut under the financial emergency measures in the public interest, FEMPI. He has also proposed, and is trying to bring about reform with, a move to a flat-fee model. I would also point out that he has moved on the level of that fee. The figure represents the current fee paid for five appearances in the District Court, plus an 8% increase. The weighted average of appearances by a solicitor in criminal cases legally aided is five, but many cases obviously require fewer appearances to be concluded.”
“I reject the idea that any report has sat on the shelf and gathered dust. I have had many engagements with the Traveller community in a whole variety of roles, most particularly in the education space. Indeed, it was my party in government that recognised Traveller as an ethnicity, which was an important moment for members of the Traveller community. The report is a valuable piece of work. It highlights stark inequalities and discrimination that still exists in this Republic. Certainly, I and the Government as a whole will give it consideration. I will also ask the Minister for Health to come back to the Deputy directly on what is quite a damning report in terms of the level of progress that still needs to be made in our country to improve outcomes for Travellers across a whole variety of areas.”
“As someone who has stood with our troops in Lebanon - I do not think Deputy Doherty has - I believe they should be able to continue doing their excellent peacekeeping work there but they cannot because people who are not the Deputy or me have made that decision. If other European countries came together to continue peacekeeping in Lebanon, I would like Ireland to have been involved in that conversation because I am proud of the decades of tradition of the men and women in Óglaigh na hÉireann. However, other people - not me, the Deputy or the Oireachtas - have decided that is not possible. Removing the triple lock is in the programme for Government. It should not come as a surprise to anyone on any side of the House that we intend to change this legislation because it was voted through as part of the programme for Government.”
“When the Deputy uses phrases like “rolls out the red carpet” for the President of the European Commission, the mask kind of slips. It is a sharp reminder that Sinn Féin has opposed every single European referendum, including the one to join the European Union. It is a Eurosceptic party; it has been since its foundation. If it were up to Sinn Féin, Ireland would not be in the European Union because it opposed joining it. It is nothing to do with the colour of the carpet, but more to do with Sinn Féin’s politically inward-looking ideology. In relation to the triple lock, this is an act of sovereignty. We do not believe that the British Prime Minister, the US President, the Chinese President or the Russian President should decide where we send the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann.”
“The size of the Permanent Defence Force is growing again. The issue the Deputy raised about recruiting from abroad is one I do not want to give a knee-jerk response to on the floor of the Dáil because it deserves policy consideration and the views of the Minister for Defence, but I will certainly ask that she revert to the Deputy on it. Technology is also going to change security and defence, the skill sets that we will need in our Defence Forces and the roles of people in Óglaigh na hÉireann. The opportunities that may exist there and the careers that may present are also worth considering, but we will keep in touch on this.”
“I take that point because I hear it often. You see it in Garda numbers as well - the number of people who initially apply and how "serious" the applications are if only a very small percentage turns into inductions. There must be something in it, in the sense that the gap between the level of applications and inductions is very high. The Defence Forces is working through its strategic workforce plan to seek to make improvements on that. My own sense, for what it is worth, is that there can be people who apply at a moment in time. There are a lot of opportunities out there for people now and if you do not strike while the iron is hot and get them in while the interest is there, you can lose them. Faster processing and processes are important. Regardless of applications, inductions are thankfully rising.”
“We need to significantly increase the numbers further and, at the same time, we need to increase the capabilities. Indeed, increasing capabilities without the personnel to utilise those capabilities will not be adequate. Therefore, we are looking at ways of turning that very significant level of interest in applications into a faster level of induction. That work is ongoing and the new workforce plan will assist.”
“I believe it has been submitted to the Department, which has a number of recommendations and modelling tools as well. The aim of this process is to provide that pathway to achieving a strength of 11,500, inclusive of civilian personnel. There has been progress in regard to cadets and pay. Upon commissioning, an officer's starting salary ranges from €46,823 to €52,265, depending on whether they join as a school-leaver or a graduate. The Minister has had discussions with the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, RACO, agreeing to give further consideration to the issue of cadet pay prior to commissioning. That process is ongoing, which is important. We have the current public service pay agreement as well, which members of the Permanent Defence Force are part of, too. I take the Deputy's point.”
“I believe there was growth of nearly 200 last year, with 790 inductions. There is a target of 850 inductions for this year. Overall application numbers for careers in the Defence Forces continue to grow. There were - this is quite a staggering figure - 16,510 applications received in 2025 and more than 10,000 received to the end of May 2026. That tells us something. It tells us that at an initial moment of time, there are a hell of a lot of people interested in serving in Óglaigh na hÉireann. What we need to do, and what the Defences Forces need to do and are doing, is work out how they can convert that high level of applications into a much higher level of inductions. I acknowledge the work that the Defence Forces are doing in preparing a new strategic workforce plan.”
“I saw the incredible contribution they made to peacekeeping in some of the most dangerous and troubled parts of our world and the hope they gave to the people of Lebanon of one day seeing a brighter, peaceful future. The links they have built with communities there and the trust they have of the local people are quite inspiring. The Deputy is right to say we should be proud of them. He is also right to say that we all need to do a hell of a lot more. We are absolutely committed to that - the Minister, Deputy McEntee, the wider Government and Deputy Ó Fearghaíl. We need to increase the numbers and strengthen retention. It is positive to see, after years of this going in the other direction, that we are moving back into a period of growth in regard to the numbers in our Permanent Defence Force.”
“I thank Deputy Ó Fearghaíl and I join with him in congratulating and commending those involved in the Sullivan Cup and the success they brought to themselves and our country. I acknowledge not just Deputy Ó Fearghaíl's interest in our Defence Forces, but his long-standing advocacy on behalf of them, which is coloured in part, I am sure, by the community and constituency in which he lives and, therefore, the knowledge he has in regard to that lived experience in County Kildare. I am proud of our Defence Forces. Every day, I am proud of the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann and how they serve our country with distinction. I was particularly proud of them yesterday and they do an excellent job on ceremonial and security occasions for this country. I was very proud of them when I visited them in Lebanon in the not-too-distant past.”
“Particularly in a small country, we should not have a different approach to planning from one place versus another above and beyond normal norms that local authorities may wish to have. The purpose of moving to national planning statements is to move away from those inconsistencies. I accept, and it would be wrong and disingenuous to suggest anything to the contrary, that it has taken a very significant period of time to get to the new wind guidelines. It is true. I know it is a cause of significant frustration for communities, as it was when Deputy O'Donoghue and I had that meeting. However, I would point out that a lot has changed since, including the Planning and Development Act. It is really important that these new standards be up to date with the best possible information, and-----”
“I am at this long enough to know not to start making diary commitments on the floor of the Dáil. However, the Government will continue to engage with communities on this issue. Indeed, the Deputy has referenced some of my own constituents. Obviously, I engage with my own constituents. I am happy to do that also. I am not across the level of detail the Deputy has just given me - let me reflect on that - but the point he makes around inconsistency in general is an issue we want to stamp out. A planning system does well when it is consistent. That is one of the reasons we changed the rural planning guidelines this week. It is one of the reasons we are changing the exempted development guidelines.”
“In fairness to everybody, including the children, communities and constituents the Deputy referenced, settling the question once and for all and having clarity as to what an appropriate distance is will be useful. We had Private Members' legislation on this matter from, I believe, Deputy Stanley. The Government took the decision not to oppose that but to have a timed amendment to provide that space for the new national planning statement to conclude. On foot of Deputy O'Donoghue raising this matter, I have asked the Minister, Deputy Browne, and the Minister of State, Deputy Cummins, to revert to him.”
“That needs to provide certainty and clarity on who can and cannot build a wind farm, where they can be built, the distance, the flicker and a number of the other issues the Deputy has raised. I hear different things. I am not getting into a row or dispute with anybody, but I am told that in Offaly, for example, the council has been extensively engaging. Perhaps people have different views but that is what I have heard from my engagement with Deputy Clendennen on this. It is important that people engage. It is important that the planning authority engage and take on board the views of local communities. It is most important that we have clarity, as we need renewable energy. We need to make that switch with a sense of urgency.”
“It has happened not once, but twice in the last five years and plunged us into challenges like the cost-of-living crisis and real difficulties for people. We all accept that point and are not rowing on that point or debating it. What the Deputy is saying is that it is important that there be guidelines that are clear, evidence based and published. The Deputy will remember the Planning and Development Act, which passed through this House at the end of 2024. That replaced ministerial guidelines with a new structure of national planning statements. It is a more robust and better process. Work is nearing conclusion on a national planning statement in relation to this issue.”
“I thank Deputy O'Donoghue. It is not the first time he has raised this issue. I acknowledge his genuine interest and active involvement in this issue. I am consistently on the record on the importance of publishing new guidelines in relation to wind energy and wind farms. I am a believer, as I believe the Deputy said he was, in the switch to renewable energy. It is really important. We have seen what happens when we live in a country that is too reliant on fossil fuel. We all know that. We can have debates about how to make that transition but our country is still addicted to fossil fuel. The impact of that on consumers and citizens in the Deputy's constituency and mine every time somebody makes a decision thousands of kilometres from here is not an abstract thing any more.”
“We have always been of the view that it is most impactful if it can happen at an EU level. If it cannot, we reserve the right to take our own action here. Listening to the comments of President von der Leyen, there is a real chance that we could make progress on that during the Irish Presidency. In terms of providing access to funding and investment for Irish businesses, including SMEs, getting an agreement on a savings and investment union and on deepening our capital markets union will benefit Irish businesses. Of course, reaching an agreement on the MFF will provide certainties for farmers and fishers. There are many more examples, too. As the House continues to reflect during this six-month period, we should look at making the work being done at Presidency level relevant to people, because it certainly is.”