Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)

That would make a change.

I wish to share time with Deputy Noonan.

I support the motion. The Government's planned infrastructure programme, Transport 21, has been decimated with most road projects abandoned indefinitely and, despite the recent confirmation by the Minster for Transport and Government guarantees that phase 2 of the western rail corridor between Athenry and Tuam in County Galway would proceed, it will also not be completed. Phase 1 of this project was constructed on time and under cost. It has proved to be a resounding success with the numbers using this facility way above projections. We have been informed the NRA's money has run out for road projects. The Government has even directed that the rest areas on the motorway network should not be built. So much for the Minister for Transport's commitment to road safety. The expansion of the provision of infrastructure was to have been the catalyst for job creation by the Government but it has again shown it has no job strategy in this time of crisis. Regional airport investment will also not go ahead. This will be devastating for the projected improvement of facilities and services at Galway Airport, which is important in supporting local industry.

Science Foundation Ireland has indicated to the Government that 950 research jobs will be lost, mostly at PhD level. What is the Government's response? Earlier the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation said we were returning to economic growth and this was endorsed by the Minister for Finance. What planet are they both living on?

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