Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)

We had a discussion earlier with the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, in respect of rail services in County Meath. It seemed as it if was the first occasion on which he had heard Navan being mentioned. I wonder whether the Minister discusses Meath issues with them when he is there. I know he is working for the country, but does Meath every get a say at the Cabinet table? Surely the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, can talk to Iarnród Éireann to secure an update on the Navan line. He did not know that was happening or what was needed but he indicated that he would consider it. I wonder who he sits beside at Cabinet.

I thought Deputy Johnny Brady and his colleagues would hide when it came to defending the Government's record. Perhaps Deputy Cassidy might give a hand with this election because it will be some challenge. If one accepts the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen's point that the outcome of the by-elections will be based on records, I am afraid Fianna Fáil is in for trouble in County Meath. Its record there is terrible. Deputy Johnny Brady must admit this when he goes canvassing. How will he be able to stand on doorsteps where people, four years later, are still waiting for the disabled persons housing grant and are still suffering? I heard him say recently that he has known a woman for the last seven or eight years who still has to leave her house to use the bathroom facilities. What will he say to her when he is looking for the vote? Who was in Government for the last seven or eight years? It was not us. That is the Fianna Fáil record.

The Navan hospital issue is one of the largest——

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