Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Mitchell did not outline what other functions she envisaged for the system. Perhaps she will do so if the opportunity arises. She may have in mind the retention of records on car registration numbers. The M50 is subject to intensive video surveillance and live cameras are placed along its entire length. The traffic authorities and the Garda Síochána have access to this footage. Perhaps I or the National Roads Authority have overlooked another specific function the Deputy may have in mind.

I assure the Deputy that the procurement of the electronic system will be subject to considerable financial scrutiny. The Department, the National Roads Authority, the Comptroller and Auditor General and others must be satisfied that it represents value for money and will provide the maximum possible functionality. As the body responsible for detailed decision making in respect of this type of project, the National Roads Authority is required to take all these matters into account. In discharging its responsibilities the authority is subject to the investment appraisal guidelines and rules set down by the Department of Finance specifically to ensure stringent and uniform value for money and other investment criteria are observed, as is the case across the public service. The National Roads Authority assures me, and regularly assured my predecessor, that all its projects comply with these criteria, as will the project under discussion.

The NRA is also subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General and is accountable to the Committee of Public Accounts. In addition, the Departments of Transport and Finance, in a process of mutual consultation, institute a series of specific audits of projects for compliance with all aspects of the finance guidelines, covering areas such as public procurement, investment appraisal and value for money.

If we were to adopt the approach the Deputy proposes, we would depart from the uniform, consistent arrangements in place for investment appraisal and monitoring across the public service. While I have no difficulty with the intent of the amendment or the principle underpinning it, they are fully catered for in the legislation as it stands and in the systems currently in place to appraise every project in Transport 21 and all projects across Government on the basis of value for money and functionality.

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