As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.

This welcome review has finally come through and it contains startling findings. However, I understand that the Business Committee has refused space for statements on this. The review will go before the Joint Committee on Health in three or four sessions, allegedly to finish before the summer and with a report to come back. It is really not the job of the Joint Committee on Health to talk about legislation that is required, however. It is the job of this House and, ultimately, the job of the Government to legislate. Time should be given in this House to debate that most important and long-awaited review. I request that the Business Committee seriously consider this and not dismiss it because women have waited long enough for full access to abortion rights in this country.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.

In relation to the N84 Ballinrobe bypass, this project was not included in the list of routes in the most recent update of the NDP in 2021.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.