Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

The sad reality is that only three minutes are available to me when the Minister could prattle on for 30 minutes.

As for the launch of the national development plan, I tend to be sceptical of such massive launches. In the past, although the privatisation of eircom involved a massive launch, we now face all kinds of telecommunications problems and have no real competition within that industry. Some years ago, Members witnessed the major launch associated with the national spatial strategy. What has happened since? The national development plan is again discussing gateways and hubs. Most recently, the national development plan was launched at a cost of €340,000.

The Government is disappointed because the plan does not appear to have gone done terribly well with the electorate. There has not been much talk about the national development plan because people are sceptical and realise the plan incorporates much rehashing of promises made in the past. If one took a red biro to all the repeated promises contained in the plan, it would contain much red ink. For example, the transport element has been announced thrice by the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen.

Lest one might consider that it was only Opposition Members who are not being constructive in this regard, I will mention three newspaper references that appeared following its launch. An editorial referred to a reversion to the same old fanciful promises, a headline called it a masterclass in brazen and dishonest public relations while another described it as being a road map to heaven and higher taxes and referred to the cash the Government plans to spend. It is worth bearing in mind that following the plan's publication, the ESRI stated that attempting to implement its contents on a massive scale would fuel inflation. Naturally, this was ignored blithely because, as all Members are aware, an election approaches and consequently this plan is important to the Government. If it divvies out funds to all parts of the State, particularly the marginal constituencies, beneficial effects for the Government might ensue.

The Minister spoke of full employment in Ireland. However, in County Limerick, the food processing industry has come to an end within 18 months and a total of 450 jobs have been lost. Has any Minister visited those who lost their jobs before Christmas in Castlemahon? I have spoken to the workers and they are facing difficulties in finding jobs. All is not well in the garden. While I could continue in respect of many elements of the plan and many concerns that pertain to my constituency, three minutes is insufficient and I will conclude.