Leo Varadkar, TD

It is almost impossible for us in this Chamber to be objective in our judgment of each other. We are too close to one another, too political, competitive and ideologically polarised. Nobody in this room has not already formed a view and an opinion about everybody else. We all have our preconceived prejudices, political, personal and ideological and I am afraid it may have been these prejudices that drove this motion rather than any real conviction of wrong doing.

To ask the Minister for Health if he has received an interim report from the group reviewing the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant as payments under both of these heads terminate in June; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Fine Gael Cork North West Deputy, Áine Collins, has welcomed the announcement of funding for the building of an access bridge at Millstreet as part of the walking route link that will run from Dursey Island in Cork to the Ulster Way in Blacklion in Co. Cavan.

Welcoming the announcement of €105,750 for a new pedestrian, cycling and wheelchair access bridge at Millstreet in Co. Cork, as part of the Beara Breifne walking route, Fine Gael Cork South West Deputy, Noel Harrington, said the project will encourage more tourists to visit Cork in the coming months and years.

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has said that funding has been secured from the National Roads Authority to carry out road surface repairs on the N72 road that runs through Cappoquin Town, Co Waterford.

Fine Gael Kerry Senator and Seanad Chief Whip, Paul Coghlan, has today (Wednesday) repeated his call for action to be taken on parking charges, which he said are crippling town centres across the country. Senator Coghlan made his comments during Order of Business in the Seanad.

Fine Gael Clare Deputy, Pat Breen, has welcomed the formal merger of the Kilkee Marine Rescue and the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG), saying the local unit will benefit significantly by joining forces with the nationwide emergency service. Deputy Breen will address an event this evening (Wednesday) in Kilkee being held to mark the merger.

Proposals on amendment to maturity profile on Ireland’s EU loan have been circulated to EU Member States and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas this afternoon.