Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I join other speakers in demanding that the Minister for Transport come before the House. To clarify the matter for Senator Ormonde, the Minister has made a statement. His decision to defer the opening of the stretch of road in question must be addressed because it constitutes naked political interference in the work of the National Roads Authority. As Senator Cummins said, when one seeks a debate on the Adjournment one is told the NRA is not the responsibility of the Minister. Who is in charge of the NRA and who is accountable for the roads of this country? This is political interference of the worst kind. I challenge the Leader and the Deputy Leader to stand up and to condone what has happened.