Michael Brennan (Progressive Democrats)

The National Roads Authority commissioned a report on the future management of road improvement works. I understand the Minister for Transport is currently reviewing this report and I ask the Leader to invite the Minister to the House in the autumn to bring forward his proposals and consider the concerns expressed by this House regarding the implementation of the programme up to 2006, whereby 50% of it will not come into play. We should also ask the Minister to consider that there is no set of criteria in place regarding which projects should go ahead.

I agree with what Senator Kenneally said regarding energy. The ESB has proposed energy charge increases of 14%. I ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to consider that the low cost of energy has been very important in this country's development, and to consider the concerns of the consumer.