Johnny Brady (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I wish the Ceann Comhairle well and compliment him. He has done a tremendous job so far and I know he will continue to do so. I wish to be associated with the many other speakers who complimented my colleague and great friend Deputy Noel Dempsey on becoming the Minister for Transport and the Marine. When I entered the House in 1997 he became Minister for the Environment and Local Government. He then held the education portfolio and in more recent times that of communications, marine and natural resources. He now holds another important portfolio.

It is hoped the Minister will cut the ribbon to open the M3 during his term of office because he was responsible for it and I compliment him on it. When he became Minister for the Environment and Local Government, councillors and TDs had problems with traffic congestion in my home town of Kells as well as in Navan and Dunshaughlin. At the time we sought bypasses and discussions commenced with the Minister who had the NRA under his brief and the M3 became a reality. We have gone through many difficulties, arguments, hearings and court cases. I compliment the Minister and hope that road will be completed during his term of office and that there will be an official opening. In fairness, I would like to have the road called after the Minister given the amount of work he has put into it.

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