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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

National development plan draft

Summary

Senator Gallagher argued the draft plan ignored areas north of a Galway-Dublin line, while the Leader defended the Government’s commitment to jobs, connectivity and a sustainable future. The Leader also noted the importance of the plan and said he would welcome a future debate on it.

With respect, the first draft of the plan drew a line from Galway to Dublin with no mention of any areas north of that line. It is only because of the Opposition that the Government had to redraft the plan. It does not inspire us with confidence.

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He is right.

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Denis O'Donovan An Cathaoirleach Fianna Fáil

Senators, please.

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Senator Gallagher should cast his mind back to the national spatial plan, gateway towns and the wonderful-----

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I know the Leader tends to drift into the past. Will he stay in the present?

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Did the Government spend any money on the plan?

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Denis O'Donovan An Cathaoirleach Fianna Fáil

I remind Senators that the Leader is responding. All Senators had the opportunity to raise their issues earlier. Allow the Leader to continue.

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He is being provocative.

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Senator Gallagher talks much about history and education. He should cast his mind back. Fianna Fáil should learn from the mistakes it made in the past. We would not be where we are today-----

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The Leader tends to drift into the past. Will he stay in the present? I know it is a bit of challenge.

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Denis O'Donovan An Cathaoirleach Fianna Fáil

Senator Gallagher, please.

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I know it is hard for Senator Gallagher, given Fianna Fáil's history and what it did between 1997 and 2011-----

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I am talking about the present day.

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The Leader gives a history lesson here every day.

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Senator Gallagher can shout at me all he wants but I do not mind. The Government is about creating good quality jobs and putting in decent infrastructure and connectivity. Then we will have a sustainable future for the next generation on which it can judge us. That is the bottom line. I would be happy for the Minister to come to the House when the plan is announced to have a debate on it. We had a similar debate before Christmas, if Senator Leyden casts his mind back.

Senator Grace O'Sullivan raised the issue of restrictions on admissions to Educate Together schools. I am not aware of any change in policy in that regard but I do know only half-stream classes have been authorised. This and the previous Government have given Educate Together more schools than at any time in the history of the State. I am not familiar with the issues affecting the schools raised by the Senator. If she gives me the information, I would be happy to raise it with the Minister. Many Educate Together schools are being built or are on the cusp of being built. We need to get them over the line in some cases. I am happy to work with any Member on this. As an educator and a politician, I very much like the Educate Together model and support it in every way I can.

Senator Craughwell spoke about the national trauma centres and the issue of the cath lab in Waterford. Senators Coffey and Grace O'Sullivan are well able to speak for Waterford. There are 45 recommendations-----

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