Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I thank Senator O'Toole for allowing me to share his time. In view of the fact that we have failed to meet our responsibilities under the Kyoto Protocol and that greenhouse gas emissions are double the overall target figure, the Minister should undertake a carbon footprint audit of this House. It would be interesting to see what fuel is used to heat the Houses of the Oireachtas and how we damage the environment in doing so. The audit could be extended to all Government buildings and local authorities.

I concur with Senator O'Toole concerning rail transport. There is a rail link from Athlone to Mullingar which is ready to be operated but it has not even been included in Transport 21. I ask the Minister to expedite that route. I also concur with Senator O'Toole on the provision of new park and ride facilities.