Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I raise the delay in opening a section of the M9 from Carlow to Kilcullen. Those of us who use this road, as I do regularly, are held up for half an hour as we travel through Castledermot. The Minister for Transport has instructed the National Roads Authority not to open this new section of road. While local business people who want a spur provided from the motorway into the locality have a case, that is a separate matter. The issue is the volume of traffic travelling through Castledermot and the fact that the NRA has stated the bypass is ready. When Members make representations to the Minister on roads and motorways, they are informed he has no responsibility for the matter which is the responsibility of the NRA. The Minister's instruction to the NRA not to open the bypass until January flies in the face of his refusal to respond to Members' inquiries. We are fobbed off with the excuse that matters pertaining to roads are not his responsibility. He must come before the House to explain his actions in delaying the opening of this bypass. The delay could put lives at risk. As the House will sit today and tomorrow, I expect the Leader to ensure the Minister will come before us to explain his actions. On the one hand, the Minister responds to awkward questions by stating the relevant issue is a matter for the NRA, while, on the other, he issues an instruction to the authority not to open a road. This matter must be dealt with at the earliest opportunity. A second section of the motorway to Knocktopher has also been delayed until February and people in the south east will suffer as a result. The Minister must inform the House of the exact position.

The House frequently hears about the victims of crime. That a person in County Kerry could be treated in the manner described makes it imperative for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to take action to address the issue.