Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I thank all those who contributed to the debate beginning with the Leader, Senator O'Rourke. I thoroughly approve of the restoration of the Athlone to Mullingar railway line which would help restore the interconnectedness of the rail system. The plan is not only for the future, it is being implemented as we speak.

Senator John Paul Phelan tried to present the Fine Gael amendment to the motion as merely offering scrutiny. None of us object to scrutiny. However, as the language it uses includes "failure after failure", "abhors" and "scandal" it is nothing of the kind. It is straightforward denunciation.

In reply to Senator Quinn, the previous national development plan received top marks from the EU Commission and the ESRI. Since the late 1980s we spent our moneys well, unlike other countries and the results show for it.

I share Senator Brian Hayes's delight that we will have transatlantic connections from Knock. I am happy to pay tribute to anyone who contributed to it, particularly Deputy Perry. It is extraordinary to have Mayor Bloomberg come to Ireland to attract Irish tourists to New York. It always used to be the other way round.

Much was stated on Government incompetence and dreadful management. I have been on the doorsteps and no one buys that line. No one outside the country believes it. During the past 20 years we had outstanding economic success. I do not state everything was perfect. However, it is greatly admired and we are regarded as a model. We have gone far beyond what we had and what those among us who are older expected in the 1970s and 1980s.

Sometimes the private sector is held up. The private sector is not universally competent, brilliant and a shining contrast in all respects to the public sector.