Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

That matter is a canard introduced to deflect attention from the fact there has been no progress. It is not an issue. Major programmes put a strain on local authority staff, but the House is continuously advised that we must keep public service numbers in control. To give credit to the local government sector, it has kept control of those numbers. Where the staffing issue arises in respect of a specific project, it is possible to incorporate the project team in the overall capital issue.

I do not understand why the scheme has not progressed and I would be angry were I a councillor. I will ask that question tomorrow, but it will be the least of my questions. I will be concerned with how to resolve the problem in weeks rather than months.

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