Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Kitt's call for a debate on Iraq. If one reads the Official Report of the debate in this House before the invasion of Iraq, one will find that many of the apprehensions outlined by Senators at the time have, unfortunately, come to pass. Such a debate would be timely because current events in Iraq are sowing the seeds of conflict for a considerable time to come.

I would also like the House to debate the National Roads Authority soon. Having listened to some of the comments made by Senators about speed limits, I have to say I am not confident that a transfer of powers from local authorities to the NRA would bring about a significant change. I mentioned last week that millions of euro have been spent on improving the N11, on which I travel frequently, to dual carriageway standard between Glen of the Downs and Kilmacanogue. I understand that the road in question has speed limits of 40 mph and 50 mph at different sections at the direction of the NRA. I do not think one can have great confidence that we will see improvement if responsibility is passed to the NRA. I ask for a debate on the NRA because it is important that we get value for money from the current level of investment in the roads network. The roads being built at present will have to stand the test of time and meet the needs of the transport industry.