Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Rule 42 was not the issue of the debate in 2001 and Deputy Rabbitte is incorrect in that respect. Eircom Park was rejected by the FAI. It was not considered. It voted democratically on that issue, as the GAA did last week, and voted against Eircom Park. As a result of the Government supporting it with taxpayers' money to the tune of more than €100 million, Croke Park has been redeveloped. I remember well the criticisms I received as a result of that investment and the second tranche as well.

The Government has made a decision to invest €190 million into Lansdowne Road, which is more than the State's investment in Croke Park, but it is necessary to make it viable. Those decisions have been made. The point I made earlier was that having been involved for 13 years in the planning process in a built-up area — that was the only thing that Deputy Rabbitte got right — I know it is hugely difficult. I spent 13 years between the GAA and residents', community, activists' and business groups trying to get Croke Park redeveloped. It is not an easy process with planning and other considerations. I hope that will happen more quickly in Lansdowne Road because we have already given the money for it. It is necessary to do it. Obviously, the ability to be able to use Croke Park will lower the pressure but ultimately there will be other difficulties. The GAA has already referred to other difficulties, including the playing surface at Croke Park following matches, and therefore the redeveloped Lansdowne Road stadium is required as quickly as possible.

While we are not where I would like us to have been with a proper national stadium and proper facilities, as many other countries have, at least I am glad to see that we will fairly quickly end up with two good stadiums. Unfortunately, they are unrelated to the other activities that I hope will be in Abbotstown in future.

See this speech in context