Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

Most people out there are not interested in a jet or a yacht, they would just like to see buses and trains and more Luas trams.

What has happened to the plan? The Minister for Transport announced the extension of the Tallaght Luas line to Citywest is to be put back. The Connolly to the Docklands Luas extension is essential to connect up the new Docklands station. I was there when the Taoiseach opened the station; it is lovely, but there is no connection. Such a connection is to be put back because of technical difficulties.

We are being told the proposed new Luas lines, not to mention the metro to the airport, are experiencing difficulties. All the completion dates are going back by one to three years, slowly but surely. The Cork to Midleton commuter rail service has gone back by a year. Apparently technical problems are holding up the Limerick southern ring road. Even the Portlaoise train depot, which was to be built and available around now, is still in mañana land.

Who in Government is competently in charge of delivering the public transport this country needs and deserves to get on with doing its business? Does the Taoiseach believe the Minister for Transport, Deputy Noel Dempsey, is up to the job? Has the thought crossed the Taoiseach's mind that the Minister may need the support of his Cabinet colleagues and that of the Taoiseach himself to deliver these projects?

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