John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

A month or two ago, I raised the issue of the national theatre and trying to get a new site for it. I read in today's newspaper that the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy O'Donoghue, indicated yesterday that we are no closer to a solution on the issue — he certainly did not spell out a solution. Will the Leader arrange a debate on the matter as soon as possible?

Regarding the national roads programme, I support the plans set out and the need to build new roadways connecting the major cities to Dublin. However, serious concerns have been voiced to me by people who are affected by the N9 and N10 route through County Kilkenny and County Carlow about the apparent reduction in compensation paid to people who will lose houses and land as a result of the building of these roads. There have been reports in recent days that the cost of building these roads is spiralling out of control. We are also aware that the cost of the land is a relatively small portion of the cost of road building. I would hate to think that those who will be affected most, people whose lives will be changed forever as a result of motorways being built right beside their homes, or people whose homes will be removed, will be the ones who will suffer while we continue to pay large fees to consultants and others involved in drawing up these schemes.