Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

Mr. Padraic White appeared before the committee on transport this morning to discuss the Rail Procurement Agency. I have called previously for a debate on the arbitration process, and the importance of this issue was brought home to me again today. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Transport, the Minister for Finance or the Minister for the Environment and Local Government – this impacts on local authorities – to address the outrageous situation regarding arbitration.

Mr. Padraic White explained that in the case of Luas, the arbitration process has resulted in the costs of land acquisition increasing fourfold because people can put a completely false price on land and pretend it will be part of an elaborate development scheme which has no chance in reality of getting planning permission. They can make that case when the land is being acquired. Also, they are entitled to get a 9% top-up for reinvestment.