Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I am disheartened by the Cathaoirleach's saying, "Before we move on to No. 1," as my proposal is to deal with the following matter now. I request that the Seanad adjourn under Standing Order 29 to debate what is the greatest no-brainer in transport policy since the closure of the Harcourt Street line. We will look back on this day with the same incredulity in years to come. I propose that we debate this urgent and sudden matter. It is sudden because it was only announced yesterday that the CIE board would make a decision today on closing railway lines. We must debate it because if lines are closed, it will mean that bringing Esso oil from the North Wall in Dublin to Ballina will put 75 tankers on the road; Guinness kegs will be hauled by road from Dublin to Galway, Ballina, Claremorris and Cork, and 100 extra lorries will work seven days a week to transport the beet crop. It is outrageous considering the danger and overcrowding that it will bring to the roads and the congestion to the economy—