David Norris (Independent)

I also agree with my colleagues on this side of the House about the appointment to the Rail Procurement Agency. We have not been well served in this instance. In appointing a national procurer, we should be entitled to a broader consideration of the available talent. Why go for the obvious financial bozos who seem to be slick in this area rather than somebody like Mr. Cormac Rabbitte, who knows what he is talking about and who developed the Dargan project? I introduced Mr. Rabbitte to the Leader while she was Minister and we also met Professor Melis from Madrid, who showed us how projects could be implemented. Senator Morrissey is another of the leading people in this area. Let us appoint somebody who knows what they are talking about rather than a fat cat from the inner circle.

Could we invite the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs before the House to explain the rapid response corps? It may be a worthy initiative but I am somewhat concerned that we are spending €5 million of taxpayers' money on recruiting for the UN. Irish agencies such as Concern and GOAL already work in the same area and I would hate to think they are to be undercut. Let us put these concerns to the Minister of State.