Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

With the indulgence of the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I wish to report a note from the wonderful Labour Party staff to the effect that the IDA and an investor have agreed terms for the takeover of SR Technics. The new owners will need two weeks for due diligence, during which SR Technics will be required to pay staff, which they are refusing to do at present. I renew my call for the Minister to help to save these jobs, which are on a knife-edge. This needs diligent action.

I have had differences with the Minister this morning and yesterday but I commend him on holding the line on this major project, metro north. It will be a case of "build it and they will come". It is a great project and in the years after 2015 the costs will run to €150 million per year. It is within our grasp.

Regarding the broader transport capital budget, we saw a range of project cancellations last week. Our media colleagues tell us that the Departments of Transport and Education and Science have the highest level of committed and non-contracted money. Is that the case? Of the €3.5 billion, will a significant portion be cut away by the Minister for Finance?

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