Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

This survey should be circulated to every household in the country. Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats are not wasters, as alleged by the Labour Party. It has been exposed by its non-appearance in the House for this debate. It is not prepared to debate this issue. I hope the Labour Party Senators are listening on their monitors and that they might attend because I am sure the Minister of State would like to hear the views of the Labour Party on this issue.

Ireland has performed remarkably well by comparison with other countries in terms of increased employment levels and living standards. More broadly, continuing improvements in life expectancy and income per capita also supports Ireland's strong performance in the UN's human development index, which is a good indicator of the general quality of life. Ireland's strong economic growth rates over the past decades are likely to reflect a number of national strengths.

The transport plan announced yesterday is a considerable proposal and is extremely worthwhile from the point of view of the west as well as everywhere else. The proposed opening up of the western rail corridor is an enormous achievement which has been brought about by constant lobbying. The Leas-Chathaoirleach would have been supportive of this move. I put on record my congratulations to all concerned, particularly Fr. Michael McGreal SJ who continues the work of Monsignor James Horan in the west. This news shows the quality of his work. He is a member of a religious order and this is a boost to his profession given events last week.

Fr. McGreal, who is chairman of the western inter-county rail committee, believes involvement in this area is very important to the development of the west and has welcomed the investment and the decision to open up the western rail corridor. The Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, who has joined us, had an input in this regard and will welcome this development, which is a major boost.

Major investment in the Atlantic road link was announced and it will materialise. It will be a boost to the west. I am sure anyone who reads these proposals will be satisfied with them. They will be implemented by a Fianna Fáil-led Government, which is a vital ingredient. Only Governments led by Fianna Fáil have succeeded in securing proper investment.