Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I would like to see a focus on this issue to have it properly debated. One of the newspapers recently reported that the metro to the airport was to cost €4 billion. I cannot stand over that figure – it may be wrong – but it is appalling that over half that sum will be spent on land compensation. There may be a case for having some form of bond scheme. Although it was not satisfactory in all respects, the old land bond system was never found unconstitutional and operated for decades. If someone's house has to be knocked down, he or she will need to buy a new one and need the cash to do so but, in most cases, the money will not be needed immediately. We also need to debate whether it should be paid, the level of payment and the criteria but perhaps the money should be in bond in order that it could be used for productive purposes, whether for infrastructural or other purposes. The issue needs to be aired because of the huge amount of money involved, much of which could be described as a windfall. The Ministers for Finance and Transport and their respective Departments should examine it closely.

I welcome the Bill as a positive measure that is part of a series of similar measures.