James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I am not enthusiastic about the Government amendments to the Bill which have caused some confusion. A significant number of Government amendments have been tabled since Second Stage was discussed here six weeks ago. It is important that the legislation assures our continued economic success and the development of the country in a sustainable manner. It is also important that the Bill will ensure we get the required infrastructure for the modern society in which we live. The infrastructure in some parts of the country is equivalent to that which we had in the 19th century in terms of the quality of roads, etc. It is important that the infrastructure in all areas in the country outside Dublin is brought up to an acceptable standard because far too many areas are lagging behind, especially in the BMW region from where I come.

The BMW plan provided for the spending of a significant amount of money in this area in the period of the plan but there has been a great underspend and infrastructural development lags behind the rest of the country. The Minister will have a pivotal role in ensuring it is brought up to a reasonable standard. I would like to see us being able to spend 95% of our funding in the period for which it was allocated, not the 46% that is the current rate. This is crucially important for the development of the area.