Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

While I agree with the Minister, we need a broad debate on it to discuss the different perspectives. The Minister may be right from a political perspective to suggest that we discuss the concepts and ideas and then cost the best ideas to see if they are affordable. However, is it right to let the conversations and vague promises happen without any costing? The public would like to know how some of these lovely ideas might be paid for somewhere along the line. If a Minister goes to the trouble to make a specific announcement, he should be able to give some indication of whether it might cost €1 million, €10 million or €100 million and say it will be subject to financial conditions.

It would also be helpful if a cost was associated with these high-flying ideas.

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