Derek McDowell (Labour)

I still take an interest in these matters. I have not given up on the people of Dublin North-Central and I like to persuade myself at times that they have not altogether given up on me.

I agree with the Minister. I note what the Minister for Transport, Deputy Brennan, said a few months ago when he effectively blamed the stability and growth pact for the failure to deliver on public transport in Dublin and the failure to make real progress on the metro. This is completely at variance with Government statements which indicated that it was a "sovereign commitment".

It is useful and important to debate this matter publicly. I know the Minister has been making the point with the Commission and at Council meetings. Before we have a difficulty with the 3%, it is important that countries like Ireland make that argument publicly.