Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I support the calls for a debate on the M50. My suggestion relates to Senator Ross's statement, that this has been presented as a fait accompli in media reports. I do not know whether it is but, from the points of view of the public and motorists, they will bear the brunt of more costs rather than less. How is this an improvement?

From reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General on projects after they happened, we often find that they have been a waste of money. An accountable evaluation should be presented before this type of proposal is decided upon. This should be presented to the Houses or to a committee rather than as a fait accompli about which we, as legislators, can do nothing.

I support calls for a debate on 1916 which should focus on the ideas such as those in the proclamation of 1916. Senator Mansergh referred to the call to cherish all the children of our nation equally. This debate should include the ideas of Labour Party founder, James Connolly, who had two children who were Members of the Seanad.