Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I welcome Ms Scallon to the House. I admire her because she has convictions and beliefs and sticks by them. That is refreshing in comparison with the Government whose members express different opinions and beliefs. This is reflected in the recent remarks by Deputy Andrews when he described himself as a dissident because he agrees with Government policy. Ms Scallon should be commended for her beliefs and strong convictions.

Like Senator Ormonde, I was not aware Ms Scallon was involved in the European Parliament's transport and tourism committee. I am privileged to be a member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and perhaps I can ask a few questions on that area. What view does the European Parliament committee on transport and tourism take on Ireland's failure to control budgets in terms of transport issues, for example, with regard to the delivery on time of the Luas light rail system, and is the committee concerned about this? While most funding for infrastructure projects derives from Irish taxpayers, some EU funding is provided.

Ireland's unique island status poses greater challenges in terms of transport. Ms Scallon hinted at this in her speech and perhaps she would elaborate on the difficulties this status presents in other areas by comparison with the situation in other member states. The Government's bias in favour of road funding at the expense of investment in public transport means investment in the former is not always matched by investment in the latter. This approach is an exception in the EU.

Ms Scallon referred to the possibility of computers using chips to monitor road usage. It is an interesting concept on which she might elaborate. The Australian Government imposes a tax on petrol for the purpose of ensuring that those who use their cars less frequently pay less tax.

Ms Scallon is also involved in the European Parliament committee dealing with the media. Her position in the west was affected by the BCI decision on radio licensing as it affected North West Radio. Members of this House have expressed their unhappiness with the procedures adhered to, including the lack of an appeal procedure. In my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny, Radio Kilkenny lost its licence, which was a cause of great unhappiness. Perhaps Ms Scallon would outline how an EU dimension can be used to address the concerns raised.