Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I was glad to see this morning the publication by the National Roads Authority of its plans for roads expenditure for 2009. It is approximately €1.5 billion in expenditure with some particularly worthwhile schemes throughout the country. In County Meath, major schemes like the Slane bypass will be progressed as will minor safety schemes such as improved measures at Kilmoon Cross.

In this current climate, it is clear there are benefits to be gained and savings to be made from procurement policies. I do not know whether a cost-effectiveness study of these schemes will be done. However, I suggest the Leader asks the Minister to do a value for money appraisal of these schemes to ensure where there are savings to be made, they can be put towards fighting the cutbacks on Dublin Bus and commuter bus services so that we see a much more evenly balanced commuter policy and not only expenditure on roads, which is worthwhile and necessary, but also expenditure on the maintenance of our public transport services.