Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Does the Taoiseach agree that the fine aspirations he attributed to the Independent Deputies apply to all Members, including those of his own party? He stated he has entered into a political agreement. What does that entail? Does it mean that those five Members get a larger slice of the national cake? I am sure the Ceann Comhairle would like to know if potholes were to become an endangered species in south Kerry, or if the Luas was to appear there. Do these agreements mean that a special allocation is being made to deal with the requirements of the individual Deputies?

Notwithstanding their high aspirations in the local and national interest, the Taoiseach knows that politicians want to know what is in it for them and for their immediate constituents. Can the Taoiseach explain what these agreements mean for those individual Deputies? How does that affect other Members, including those from the Government parties? Do they get less while the special few get more? I was studying Deputy Finian McGrath's face when the Taoiseach was speaking. He looked perplexed and as worried as a manager whose football team was about to be relegated. Is there more to these agreements than the Taoiseach has already told the House?

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