Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I am always amused that when the issue of transport is discussed, it seems to be centred on the problems of transport in the Dublin city and county areas. I know there are problems of congestion in the Dublin area but the need for investment in public transport in the regions is becoming more urgent. I point to the need for an integrated transport plan for the mid-west region, particularly to support Shannon Airport and tourism in the mid-west and to link that to the western rail corridor and so on. If we have a debate on transport, which I hope we will, could it be broadened to include the need for State investment in public transport systems in the regions not simply to be connected to the Dublin system, but to be self-standing in the regions and as a way of encouraging investment in those areas?

The Leader facilitated a very good debate on child care and we noted how demands and needs have changed. Another issue is elderly care and how it has changed because of the changing social patterns in our economy, society and families and the lack of State provision for the care of the elderly which, in turn, is causing a difficulty in our hospitals. Will the Leader put that issue on the agenda as a priority? We need to provide further supports not only in the private sector, but in the public sector specifically for care of the elderly.