Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh on Aire go dtí an Teach seo inniu agus molaim é as ucht an tosnú maith atá déanta aige sa Roinn.

The sentiments I expressed praising the Minister for his very good start in his Department are echoed by many. I was in Carlow last Saturday to hear the Minister outline his views with regard to the national roads network and tolling. Subsequently, many councillors from all political persuasions praised him highly. The Minister will recognise, however, that public utterances alone will not be the yardstick by which he will be judged at the end of his tenure in an area of nationally important responsibility. He will be judged by the degree to which we have realised the vision he has so clearly spelt out. The fact that we now have a Department of Transport which will enable a holistic approach to be taken to the transport industry overall should be welcomed and the Taoiseach and the Government are to be acknowledged for the positive effect this is likely to have in a hugely important area.

I welcome the Minister's comments regarding competition, particularly in terms of Aer Rianta. I was surprised to hear its chief executive respond as he did. Aer Rianta has demonstrated much innovation in the way it has expanded its services abroad and it should have nothing to fear from competition. If companies are properly managed, cost effective and efficient, they should welcome the competition which will help to keep them that way.