Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Minister for his reply. Given that many members of the GAA, particularly in clubs around the country, had reservations initially regarding the opening of Croke Park to the IRFU and the FAI, and given that it appears we are locked into a long planning process that may lead to court action, as has been indicated, and the consequent possibility that the stadium as envisaged may not be developed, does the Minister not consider it appropriate to have a plan B? Does he believe the Cabinet members should debate this, particularly because the issue was originally quite divisive among them and considering that the idea, primarily of Fianna Fáil, to proceed with a national stadium was scuppered by the Progressive Democrats? Will the Minister consider putting a plan B in place so this matter does not become divisive? It would be ridiculous if we had to restart the process of developing a national stadium in 2009, or perhaps later, owing to probable action in the courts on foot of sufficient local opposition. If the national stadium in question does not materialise, there should be an alternative option on the table.

See this speech in context