Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

The Order of Business is agreed. Over the past two weeks, during Private Members' business, Ministers have not attended at the designated time of 5 p.m. Yesterday's transgression was minor compared with the previous Wednesday but the Leader said she would raise the matter with the Taoiseach and I would be grateful if she could report any progress in the matter. It is an important two hours for the dignity of the House and the Members who contribute in that time and it is for all groups, not just the Opposition. The rule that Ministers should be present five or ten minutes in advance is important and should be upheld.

Will the Leader organise a debate on Dublin transport in light of the controversy surrounding the future of a metro, the Luas light rail system and a possible plan suggested by Iarnród Éireann? In 1998, the Leader rejected the findings of the Atkins report, which favoured a surface connection between the two Luas lines against the underground option. The Minister for Transport has put that option back on the agenda. Why was it not supported five years ago, presumably for much less than it will cost now? The Minister for Transport should come to the House to outline the Government view on the area and bring clarity to the two Luas lines. It is crazy that the two lines bring hundreds of thousands of commuters in and out of Dublin city centre but are not linked. It should have been done from the start and the Government should outline its thinking in this area.