Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I appreciate that Deputy Kenny accepts what I say is the position. In all her discussions Deputy Flynn was more interested in the programme for Government which includes cancer strategies and such issues. She was concerned for the west of Ireland but also wanted to see that there would be proper resources and allocations made to the broad areas of health and education. She did not get into individual issues.

A programme for Government covers all areas and the national development plan is an enormous programme involving €181 billion over its life, including Transport 21 and other programmes. Deputies have sought to prioritise issues that are important to them in the discussions. There are written agreements with Deputy Finian McGrath and the other Deputies. This is not a claim. There are agreements based on negotiations with me about their national and local priorities. They want to achieve those priorities and I and my colleagues will try faithfully to assist in achieving them. I have done this for the past ten years.

The agreements are made in good faith on important national and local issues. Deputy Finian McGrath's priorities, which he has advocated in this House, are in education, health, disability and local community-based issues important to his constituency, Dublin North Central. I feel honour bound to do my best to complete these issues, in return for support. The issues fall within the broad programme for Government and specified programmes.

It is entirely proper that a Deputy work to advocate achievement on these issues. They are not extraordinary issues but they are important whether national, local or international. A Deputy is entitled to advocate them and a Government is entitled to try to implement them and assist in their implementation over time.

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