Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

There is no question of the Minister conning anyone. It was suggested in the other House that this would be additional funding over and above last year's figure but when the Minister introduced the Financial Resolution in the House on 12 December, he made it clear that the reason he increased motor taxation was to retain the same level investment in non-national roads. When I addressed the House recently, I made it clear that the allocation would be €434 million. Those of us who are pragmatic politicians stated clearly that in addition to this amount there would be an additional €65 million to €70 million. Anyone who says he or she was not aware that there would be the same record levels as last year is being economical with the facts and somewhat mischievous. I rest my case.