(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Mary Lou McDonald: ] There is a proposition for cultural infrastructure and development in the decade of centenaries commemorating 1912 to 1922, the centrepiece of which is 1916.
Since we have this €6.158 million, I suggest the Government, or the incoming Government, gets its act together and moves beyond the narrow definition of the national monument on Moore Street. I suggest the Government moves to create a proper commemorative revolutionary quarter, encompassing the terrace and based from the GPO back as far as Parnell Square. That would be a far more compelling development of that part of the city, which I happen to represent. It makes cultural sense. Kilmainham Gaol is now a mecca for tourists, visitors, historians and the curious alike, despite the fact that back in the day, the State would have been quite happy to see that go. Such a quarter in the heart of Dublin's north inner city would be an incredible tourist draw. It would also be a massive economic driver for that part of the city which, historically, at least in parts, has been impoverished going back a century. I hope the Minister of State, Deputy Simon Harris, will take on board what I said. I think he is a sensible individual, more sensible than many of his colleagues. As he is also a lot younger than many of us in this Chamber, I hope he would have an open mind in respect of what I am proposing. It simply makes sense.
This is a technical instrument which reflects the ebb and flow, the rhythm, or lack thereof, of Government investment and spending. As for Deputy Sean Fleming and Fianna Fáil, I will not oppose the carryover of much-needed resources to be invested in critical infrastructure. Why on earth would I or Sinn Féin do that?
Question put and agreed to.
Sitting suspended at 1.33 p.m. and resumed at 1.38 p.m.
Business of Dáil
Acting Chairman (Deputy Seán Kenny): The Government Chief Whip has indicated that he wishes to make a proposal regarding today's business.
Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Paul Kehoe): It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders and the order of the Dáil of Thursday, 21 January 2016, that statements on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, TTIP, be taken now for two hours and 30 minutes.
Acting Chairman (Deputy Seán Kenny): Is that agreed? Agreed.
Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership: Statements
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton): I am glad to have the opportunity to participate in this debate on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership because it is an important negotiated trade agreement on which we are embarking. Ireland is a small trading economy and is more dependent on exports than any other economy in the European Union. Our exports of goods and services represent about €200 billion, which is more than the whole of our national income put together. That shows the importance of the scale of exports. When one looks at our export-oriented companies, between them, namely, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland companies, they employ 400,000 people. Exports are at the very heart of our economic activity. It is commonly recognised that for every job within the export-oriented sector, another one is created in the various supply chains and services. |