Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)

It is difficult to take an overall view of the situation presented to us in the Estimates published last week because the picture is incomplete. While we have an outline of gross current and capital spending, we are at a loss due to the absence of information on tax and other receipts. Until we have the complete picture we will not know if we are dealing with a surplus or a deficit as we face the budgetary cycle.

While the Minister for Finance was dealing with spending the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children took the opportunity to announce a 9% rise in the cost of accident and emergency visits and short-term stays, rising from €55 to €60, raising approximately €25 million. This is a revenue-raising measure, which it was hoped would be overshadowed by the publication of the Estimates.

Not only is the picture incomplete, it is further muddied by the inclusion of a number of factors that would be more appropriate in the budget, such as €400 million for the nursing homes refund at a time when this House has not been informed of the details of this measure. Although there was a monumental cock-up, the blame has not stopped at anyone's desk. There is no shortage of desks at which it might stop, as this situation continued for 29 years, during which time seven Ministers with responsibility for health from the Fianna Fáil Party, the Fine Gael Party and the Labour Party held office.

The increase in overseas development aid to 0.47% of GDP was another issue that landed the Government in controversy. The Taoiseach's commitment to increase overseas aid to 0.7% of GDP by 2007 was ill-advised. That the commitment was given at a time when Ireland sought a favour from the developing countries smacks of dishonesty.

The Estimates show an increase of 4.5% in capital spending. After the fanfare surrounding the announcement of Transport 21, it is bewildering to see how such an increase will fund the grandiose notions contained in that plan. In my view it cannot be done. I make a plea regarding Transport 21 and I am pleased the Minister for Community, Gaeltacht and Rural Affairs, Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív, is present to hear it. The western rail corridor was included in Transport 21 but phase one will not be completed for five years. This smacks of procrastination of the highest order as this project could proceed immediately. In contrast with other transportation programmes, there is no lead-in time and no planning permission, environmental impact study or public hearing and no land acquisition is required. Those experienced in rail building state that phase one, as far as Claremorris, could be completed in one year. There is no reason for the further five year wait after we have fought for 30 years. I urge the Minister to make funding available so that this vital infrastructure is made available to serve the west so the benefits can help the region develop.

The overall figures in this debate are enormous, all funded by the taxpayer. In the past and in recent times there has been a dreadful record on accountability for the expenditure and waste of public funds. It is disappointing the Minister has not brought forward proposals to regulate and safeguard the expenditure of public funds. The taxpayer is the donor of the funds and is entitled to expect the maximum safeguards to be put in place by Government. It is unacceptable that money continues to be wasted in the manner we have seen highlighted by the recent programme, "Rip-Off Ireland", featuring Eddie Hobbs.

We need accountability for investment in infrastructure and services. The health service is a case in point. In the past four years the cost of running the health services has grown from €7.7 billion to €12.5 billion. There is no obvious improvement in the service. Accident and emergency units are still in a shocking state and much more than a lack of funding is wrong with the health services. The Government should ensure audits are carried out so that value for money is obtained for all investments in the State.

I remind the Minister that Tuam town council awaits his return with clarification on the status of the Tuam hospital project. The people of north-east Galway await the announcement that finance to facilitate its commencement is being provided.

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