Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, we need to remind ourselves from time to time there is much we can learn from continental Europe. The last couple of days have seen inaugurated, or at least by way of experiment, a new TGV that travels at the equivalent of approximately 320 mph or 515 km/h. A comment has been made that this is a success for the French model, often denigrated, which is founded on a partnership of the State and public enterprise with the private sector to produce the latest in technology and provide infrastructure. In many ways, that aspect of the French model is very suitable for this small country of Ireland.