Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I repeat the call for a debate early next week on the nursing home reports. The issue is very confusing. We read on RTE's website today that only ten of the Twenty-six Counties are covered by the inspection reports. It is stated that a home that opened only a year ago has already failed to meet the required standards. That RTE only gained access to this information by default does not inspire confidence in those entering the system.

Some of the stories about Leas Cross and other nursing homes were truly shocking and none of us would have believed them only for the shocking footage shown on the "Prime Time" programme. It is vital that we have a debate on the care of the elderly in nursing homes early next week.

I call for an urgent debate on tolling. I am very confused as to what is happening at the toll station on the M50. I saw the headline stating there are to be no tolls, but it now appears the barriers will be removed although tolling will continue. We must ask serious questions in this regard. If National Toll Roads is paid off a sum in the region of €600 million, will it represent good value for money for the taxpayer? If, for the same cost, a second bridge were built to compete directly with the existing toll bridge, thus offering motorists a choice, would it represent better value for money? The buy-out will have a considerable impact on infrastructural projects nationwide because the €600 million to be paid to National Toll Roads will not be available for them.

A much fairer system would be to apply a charge to fuel such that the more one uses, the more one pays. This could lead to the abolition of motor taxation and address the crazy circumstances whereby toll stations have been placed on all the motorways. The Leader will be more familiar with this than anyone else because the Kinnegad motorway presents problems. Problems also arise in Fermoy and motorists are not using the new motorways because of tolling. We need a serious debate on tolling.