Joe O'Toole (Independent)

He has shown himself to be courageous and independently minded. Whatever way it works out, he has given a clear indication of his understanding of a complex issue. He reflects the views of many people who are very concerned. I have spoken to many such people in recent weeks. We should come back to the issues that were raised here last week.

An article in The Irish Times last Saturday suggested that alternative arrangements could be made concerning the proposed M3, including a motorway connecting Navan and Drogheda. That would rule out the need for a motorway going anywhere near Tara. A number of other proposals should also be examined. The House should heed the points raised by Senator Mansergh in last week's debate. We should demand that the NRA listens to what we have to say. On the basis of what Senator Brian Hayes has just said, however, it is clear that the NRA is inclined to take no notice.

Recently, I listened to a representative of the NRA speaking on the radio. I have never heard such contemptuous arrogance from any representative of a quango in the attitude he took to people's decently proposed and articulated concerns about Tara. If those of us who participated in last week's debate had heard him speak beforehand, we would have been far more cutting in what we had to say about the NRA. His comments gave me no confidence that I could trust him.

When does the Leader expect us to return to No. 26 on the Order Paper? One of today's newspapers contains a long article on the appropriateness of a member of the Judiciary not being available for work for a number of years. No. 26 deals with the proposed dismissal of Judge Brian Curtin, which I cannot discuss in the House. However, I can ask when we hope to return to the issue on the basis that the action was rushed through with all haste. It had to be done and could not wait. Nothing was allowed to take precedence over this issue.

This took place some months ago and in the meantime a hard-working committee of decent politicians from both Houses is working on the matter. As I have said before, they will eventually be hung out to dry on this issue and will get no credit for the work they will have done. I have no doubt a deal will be done eventually behind their backs and we will all be part of this impossible situation. The matter should be brought to a conclusion and we should ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to do so in some other way than in the process under way at the moment. I cannot imagine we will ever come back to this debate before the next general election. Justice delayed is justice denied for the person in the centre of the matter. I hold no brief for the man in question; I have never met or spoken to him. However, I believe our concern is the application of justice and justice is not being applied in this case.