Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House.

Senator Ryan's observations on the flow of traffic at the Westlink toll bridge are not correct. The extra toll booths and laneways have improved the flow of traffic but a problem persists at the Lucan exit south of the toll bridge. The congestion on this exit road blocks one of the extra routes. The flow of traffic has been improved by the addition of extra toll booths but the congestion on the exit for Lucan and Blanchardstown is extraordinary. This is a major traffic problem.

Deputy Parlon's first public appearance as Minister of State was in the Alexander Hotel when he spoke about the communication strategy for public private partnerships. I congratulate the Minister of State on the progress he has made since his appointment. At that meeting I heard firsthand for the first time what is involved in public private partnerships. The series of meetings held throughout the country were a great help in explaining public private partnerships to people. The meeting in the Alexander Hotel was attended by union members, representatives of IBEC and of the construction industry and members of local authorities and health boards. All of these groups could be involved in building major Government projects.

On 11 October last, a €52 million state-of-the-art national maritime college opened its doors to students in Ringaskiddy, County Cork. The project is the first third level college to be built under the Government's public private partnership scheme. It will serve the maritime education needs of the Cork Institute of Technology and the non-military needs of the Naval Service.

The National Maritime College in Ringaskiddy is a shining example of the success of the public private partnership model and is a dream come true for tutors from the Cork Institute of Technology and from the Naval Service at nearby Haulbowline and for anyone who is interested in a naval career. Focus Education Limited is made up of 50% Bovis Lend Lease and 50% Halifax Bank of Scotland.

The features of the National Maritime College are remarkable and unique. It includes two bridge simulators with 360° screens which can replicate every type of sea and weather condition, including engine shut down and man overboard, on 32 different vessel types, including merchant, liner, ferry, naval and fishing.