Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

It amazes me to hear the Taoiseach decrying compulsory purchase orders when the National Roads Authority uses such orders with impunity. I do not regard them as a significant problem, except perhaps in the sense that people may complain they are not getting enough for their land. Why would they complain, however, when sums of €200,000 per acre are offered? Why is the Taoiseach standing over such a gross overspend of public money?

The Mountjoy site has a new women's prison, €10 million has been spent on a training centre in St. Patrick's Institution and capital expenditure of €6 million has been spent on Spike Island which is to be closed down. Questions have arisen regarding a conflict of interest in the deal for the prison site which I understand could have been settled for much less. Will the Taoiseach ensure the Comptroller and Auditor General is made aware of this? It is a matter of public interest that he be informed and investigate what appears to be a strange purchase.

Will the Taoiseach insist that an environmental impact assessment is carried out given that the relevant directive appears to indicate that one is required for an area of this size? They are definitely necessary if a planning application is required. Does the Taoiseach realise he will be in trouble again with the European Court of Justice unless he insists such an assessment is carried out?

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