John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

——and that his critical faculties have not been diminished in any respect.

Regarding Turkey's accession to the EU, I accept it is entirely a matter for the EU to decide its own membership.

On the importance of tackling fraud, that is a matter for the Garda and is not for consideration in this House.

Senator Quinn raised the matter of the electricity interconnector and the €400 million investment. I need to make inquiries on this issue as I do not know the answer.

I support Senator Dooley's congratulations to all concerned with the initiation of the Luas and I am glad the Leader is there to accept her share of the glory for that. The line will carry 8 million passengers during the year and I hope the further development that is envisaged will take place.

Senator Higgins raised the matter of Teagasc and the EU directive on nitrates. I agree that science suggests there is no problem with the limit of 250 kg. per hectare——