Liam Twomey (Fine Gael)

The credibility of the Government in political and economic terms has been damaged significantly at home and abroad. In some respects, one gets the sense in listening to Senator Boyle that if it comes down to saving the country or the planet, the Green Party will take the easy option and save the planet. There is a serious problem in the country and the Green Party must face up to our economic concerns.

Local roads in County Wexford resemble a war zone. In spite of this, the Minister for Transport has postponed the upgrading of the bypass for New Ross and Enniscorthy for at least a further five years. Some of the policies being brought forward by the Government contradict other aspirations such as those of the Food Harvest 2020 report. There is, therefore, a need for the Minister for Finance to come to the House and state what he will do to give the finance needed to repair roads throughout the country, not only in County Wexford, and clearly outline the plans to be pursued in this and the coming months. That is on what the focus should be placed in the coming weeks before the Dáil is dissolved. We should focus on economic issues and not allow ourselves to be distracted. It seems legislation is being put through for the sake of it.