Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Do the Department officials and the representatives of the TII see enough of the Minister, Deputy Ross? Does he give them enough attention? Investment in infrastructure and in the upgrading of roads is needed to support the growth of our economy. It seems there might be some good news in the mid-term review, but it is still disheartening in that not enough is being done. I note from Mr. Nolan's comments last week that we are short €120 million in funding a year with respect to our being behind schedule in our roads programme, and that is a concern. If the Department of Education and Skills, teachers and officials or the Department of Health and the boss of the HSE needed €120 million, there would be a quicker reaction from politicians. Much work was done during the Celtic tiger years and I recall that money was returned as County Cork was allocated too much money at one stage.