Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

Without detracting from the importance of the economic cross-Border issues mentioned by Senator McHugh, I hope that we would have some important political developments by the end of this session that would make a debate worthwhile. A television series that was broadcast a few years ago was called "Endgame in Ireland" but in a sense, that is still ahead of us.

I support the calls made by all Senators from all sides of the House regarding the NRA. The idea, as I understood it, was to have a continuous motorway or dual carriageway between our major cities. This is gradually being put in place. It is ridiculous to suggest that people add another 20 minutes to their journeys by going off into the nearest town or village for a rest. Purpose-built areas, perhaps in conjunction with places where motorists turn off motorways, are essential. The NRA is going against the unanimous political consensus in this House.