Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I thank Members most sincerely for their contributions. It is very important that this debate took place. I am deeply dissatisfied and it is not satisfactory that the Government tabled a 31-line amendment to the motion which makes no mention of Tara or its heritage. I am deeply unhappy with the contributions from the Government side of the House because they do not address the issue. What occurred tonight was an attempt to have a debate on the roads infrastructure. As I have stated, I do not have difficulty in giving the Government due credit for what it has done with regard to roads. I am not a member of the Opposition but an Independent and I will offer my views on issues on which I agree and disagree. Similarly, with regard to the rail network, I support Senator Dooley on the need to improve the Galway line and Senator Mansergh on the need to improve the Limerick to Rosslare line, as I supported him in ensuring the railway bridge in Cahir was reconstructed. I assure Senator Dooley that I consulted people in Meath on the issue before us. It may be news to him that I live one field from the Meath border.