Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for raising what is a very serious and very important topic. I know it is very important to people outside Dublin. I want to address it in a very serious manner. The first indication of that is we have accepted the Fianna Fáil motion tonight. We are not opposing it because we recognise the difficulties. We recognise that we are accountable for what is happening. We are very willing to be accountable on a frequent basis to the report referred to. We will do that. We will comply with what the Deputies want and we will report on a regular basis. We will respond to that report in the timing they would like and which we would like to do. We have no problem with that and we recognise it. That is absolutely clear evidence of our recognition of that.

Deputies opposite might recognise the seriousness with which this Government and I personally have treated this problem. The Deputies spoke with sincerity this evening. When I listened to them, I suddenly recognised that I have personally addressed - either by receiving people or by visiting - the particular problems in their constituencies they are raising tonight. Deputy Troy will be the first to acknowledge that I have been in his constituency on many occasions, many times looking at the roads. The Deputy has been helpful to me in doing that, as have other people in his constituency.

I met Deputy Cowen in his constituency looking at roads there. Deputy Rabbitte knows I have been to her constituency. I have been to Galway West and Galway East on several occasions. Roads have been top of the agenda on every occasion. Deputy Brassil is aware that I spent two days in Kerry; I met him there. Part of that time was spent looking at the roads. He cannot tell me I am not aware of the difficulties there; I acknowledge them. Nobody can tell me I have not paid attention to that.

Deputy Smyth knows I was in Cavan-Monaghan, her constituency. Indeed, I let her know when I was coming. I looked at the roads there as well. Deputy Ó Cuív mentioned that I met him last week. I have been to Galway looking at the roads there on many occasions.

I apologise to Deputy Cassells that he was not invited to the delegation to talk to me about the roads in his constituency, but I was not in charge of those invitations.

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