David Norris (Independent)

That is what the letter said.

I am seeking a debate on the metro in light of the headline in today's newspapers to the effect that "Metro delay 'will affect' targets for M50 upgrade". The Joint Committee on Transport unanimously supported the idea of a metro, as did the professional report carried out in respect of this matter. If the delay in the metro is going to cause significant problems in terms of the necessary upgrading of the M50 we should engage in a debate on it.

I wish to propose a change to the Order of Business, namely, that we take No. 23, motion 11, which states:

That Seanad Éireann calls on the Government to honour the commitment clearly given by An Taoiseach at the United Nations in 2002 that Ireland would reach the target of 0.7% of GDP for overseas development aid by 2007.

If the Leader is able to give an undertaking to debate this matter on Friday, I will withdraw the proposed change to the Order of Business. This is a serious matter and it was again brought to the attention of the public this morning by a distinguished former Member of this House and former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, who was present at the United Nations in New York when this solemn pledge and commitment was given by the Taoiseach. We should discuss this matter.