Jim McDaid (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)

I agree with Senator Ryan's points in regard to signage at toll booths and the problems in regard to the use of sterling coins on the Dublin-Belfast motorway. The latter problem is caused by the banks because they do not accept sterling coins. I have experienced the problem myself and will examine it further.

I agree with the general theme expressed by Senator Terry and others that we do not have an adequate public transport service. The Government agrees that is the case. However, much of what has been said by Senators is drivel. I do not mean to be condescending but, on behalf of the Government, I am happy to deal with problems related to the success of our economy in the past two years.

Senator Norris referred to a book he was reading in which the words "I told you so", were described as the most beautiful in the English language. However, he disagreed and stated that, in the context of a metro system, he would prefer to say "There you are". The Opposition appears to have been reading too many Harry Potter books over the summer. The Government and the Department of Transport have only been in place for 15 months, yet the Opposition seems to think we can wave a magic wand and, suddenly, everything will be all right.