Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

I will now deal with a few other issues. Senator Browne was apparently also critical of the Transport 21 initiative. I find it hard to understand why he could be critical of any initiative that focuses on the completion of our five main interurban motorways by 2010. The budget announced by the Minister for Transport during the past week entails substantial expenditure on the country's road infrastructure, including motorways, bypasses and regional roads.

Senator Ryan referred to employment rights and I felt he was trying to support his party leader. He was not very convincing, however, in terms of the position he adopted because he tried to put the cart before the horse. When Deputy Rabbitte came out with his initial statement he tried to cause major concern by making a plea to a certain part of the electorate. We have heard anecdotal evidence that immigrant workers are a threat to Irish jobs, but that is absolute nonsense.