Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to make this point in a fair way. I have the greatest respect for the work the NTA does. The issue is not so much with the design because we accept that this has to be done by professionals and qualified persons who are able to do the job. The issue for the cycling representatives we met today is one of policy and who drives policy nationally. It should not be the function of the NTA. While it is appropriate and proper that the office reside within the NTA, the key point being made this morning was that it must push the boundaries. It must determine where to get more money and where to spend it and identify what people want. Operating that agenda is entirely separate from what the NTA is doing.