Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I will deal briefly with the three issues raised. The Stability and Growth Pact as it now stands allows an increase in funding. If one performs an arithmetical exercise, the potential figure is something like €1 billion. All the other criteria of capital projects would have to be fulfilled, but it allows for a greater level of funding. The Members should remember that we are already spending 6% in Ireland, which is at least 2% above the average and probably double the rate in most countries. However, as I stated to Deputy Rabbitte recently, during the debate on the Stability and Growth Pact, the Government argued that the reason for this is that Ireland is a low debt country with an infrastructural deficit. The amended pact allows flexibility in the multi-annual programmes for transport and other areas.

The infrastructure Bill has just returned from the office of the Attorney General. It will be brought before the Government shortly. It is at an advanced stage and I hope it will be published by the summer although I do not think it will be taken before the summer recess.

Without going into the details, I wish to make a brief statement on the western rail corridor to be helpful to Deputy Kenny. That project should be taken on a phased basis. I noticed that as soon as I said "phased basis", everyone shouted that it should be completely implemented. Realistically, the thing to do is to try to create the corridor on a phased basis. It makes a great deal of sense to push forward on this project.

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