Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I wonder if the Minister for Transport can come to the House before the recess to discuss the financing of the national roads programme, including the charging of tolls. If possible, the Minister might outline the cost benefit analysis and details of the letters he has received from the Irish Road Haulage Association about how congestion is costing millions, if not billions, of euro. Perhaps we are all wrong and it is not worth €4.90 to avoid waiting in a queue in Drogheda for 30 minutes. One will pay four times that amount, as a private motorist, to pass through a toll bridge on a French autoroute. I have seen few more ridiculous protests, to be frank. I presume that the new toll-free stretch of road which will open tomorrow will not be boycotted. The benefits of new roads outweigh the small sums involved. I am sorry that Senator Bannon is not here to debate the matter.