David Norris (Independent)

I welcome the Minister to the House. I am very glad he is in charge of the Department of Transport. I have followed his career with interest and admiration over a number of years. He is prepared to be decisive, innovatory and to stick to his guns.

I have some reservations about this Bill which I intend to put on the record. However, before I do, I wish to say that while I believe it is important we have an integrated transport system, accountability and a small group of people with authority in the area, I would like to discount the rumours that have been circulating around the House today as a result of an article in the Irish Independent that I propose to be the first elected lord mayor of Dublin.