Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I begin by congratulating the Government on yesterday's re-announcement of a series of projects it promised the people in 1999 and 2001. If ever there was an example of reheated porridge in the Irish political system, it was yesterday's series of announcements. If all these projects were implemented on time and on budget, it would be important for public transport users. However, the reason there is so much scepticism in the country about yesterday's announcements is that the very people who have been part and parcel of this issue for the past nine years have got it so badly wrong when it comes to delivering projects on time and developing a quality, integrated public transport system in this and other cities. That scepticism must be recognised.

Will the Leader organise a debate, perhaps next week or the following, on yesterday's announcement to identify the substance behind it as against the allegation that it is nothing more than electioneering? Having read the document yesterday, I saw no reference to the Clare Street initiative which we debated two weeks ago. However, the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Deputy Callely, will have his day again.