Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I asked the Leader yesterday to invite the Minister for Transport to the House as soon as possible to take questions about a number of public transport fiascos. We witnessed yesterday the absolute contempt Iarnród Éireann has for the travelling public in Dublin following its decision to belatedly inform commuters that it is making significant changes to its timetable as a result of works that will be carried out on weekends. Four days notice was given to the travelling public in Dublin and that is unacceptable. The Minister threw his hands in the air and said he knew nothing about the decision. However, he knew about this for months in advance. This is another example of the fiasco that is public transport in Dublin and if ever there was an argument for greater competition and the break-up of CIE, it is strengthened by the contempt shown for Dublin commuters yesterday. Will the Leader make time available before we break up tomorrow to debate this and other issues with the Minister for Transport?

Does the Leader plan to take statements on Northern Ireland involving the Taoiseach or the Minister for Foreign Affairs over the next few weeks? We are at a delicate stage in the peace process and we all wish the Government well in its endeavours. The Cory report was handed over to both the British and Irish Governments yesterday. While publication of the report will be sought in the future, that needs to be tempered with the current sensitivities in the process. A statement on all these matters from the Government over the next two weeks would be useful.