Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I have not discussed the control and power of the Oireachtas over the proposed Dublin transport authority. I fully understand the role of the Minister, his or her executive power, its limitations and the division of power between the Minister and the Oireachtas. I welcome this new organisation that we will establish, but I predict both sides of this and the other House will, at some stage in the future, blame the new authority for what is happening. It is inevitable. It is almost certain that the same Members will ask why they do not have the power to influence the decisions it is making or the power to understand why it is making those decisions. I am pretty sure those points and complaints will not be confined to our side of the House. They will be widely shared by the Minister of State's colleagues. While I am disappointed the Minister of State is unable to accept the amendment, I will not pressit.