Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

—— it is that the longer politicians and the Houses of the Oireachtas kick these matters to touch indefinitely, the more responsibility the courts will get. The courts want us to take responsibility in this area and do not want the matter hived off as has continually happened in the past. Even at this late stage I ask the Government to reconsider its position, which I believe to be totally bogus.

Just as we thought the embattled Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, was about to sing "Don't cry for me Argentina", it is quite clear he is back with a vengeance following his comments in the Lower House yesterday.