Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I, too, would like to be associated with the lovely words of tribute to former Senator, Deputy and Councillor Dick Dowling. Senator O'Reilly certainly gave a wonderful tribute, and we would all like to be associated with his words. Mr. Dowling certainly mentored some great people in the political world. He mentored the former Commissioner, Minister and Deputy, Phil Hogan. He also mentored Deputy John Paul Phelan. Mr. Dowling made a significant contribution to politics, to this House and to this country.

I also pass on my sympathies to the Murphy family on the passing of Councillor Gerard Murphy today, another former Member of the Houses of the Oireachtas. I would like to pass on my sympathies to the Murphy family and the people of Newmarket in Cork and the surrounding areas he represented for so long.

I am disappointed to hear the World Rally Championship that was going to be held in Limerick, Kerry and Waterford is not going to happen because of red tape. This was going to be a huge benefit to the west of Ireland. It was going to be a massive boost in tourism numbers and it was going to get us worldwide attention. To think that this is not happening because of red tape is very worrying.I was also horrified to see what was on "Prime Time" last night. As a country, we can and should be doing an awful lot better. I know we will be discussing issues surrounding safe access later today so I will use that opportunity to elaborate on those issues.