Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

That is fair enough. I encourage the Government to push ahead with decentralisation. When the General Register Office came it was as welcome as when it was announced and it has meant so much to the town of Roscommon. The Minister of State, Deputy Parlon, was present for the turning of the sod. The office has now been built. I will not dwell on the new road structures.

Great interest has been shown in the issue of private-public development of hospitals. A private hospital located with a public hospital is a good combination.

The Minister responded well to the intensive lobbying on the Shannon tax corridor, the fuel allowances and other aspects of the budget, including biofuels. The announcement yesterday regarding geothermal heating systems that were approved, heat pumps and all the alternative energies encouraged in this budget are welcome. There has never been a more receptive Minister for Finance than this Minister. He listened patiently to Members of the House and others outside it and his budget reflects the care and attention given to it by him and his senior officials. I take this opportunity of congratulating him on the budget. I know the Bill will be passed unanimously by this House.