David Norris (Independent)

I raise, first, a matter concerning education which I would like the Leader to raise with the Minister for Education and Science. As a result of a decision by the HEA, there is a proposal to phase out by 2014 the plastering course in the Dublin Institute of Technology. We are privileged to work in this beautiful Chamber, Mr. Michael Stapleton's masterpiece. There is a tradition of European importance regarding Dublin plaster work and as such, it is astonishing that the course is to be phased out. Currently, there are three lecturers, one of whom is the only person to obtain a gold medal for plastering at the skill Olympics, another is working full-time towards a doctorate, while the third is on secondment from the Office of Public Works as he is an expert in restoration. Courses are being continued in Cork and Athlone and I do not begrudge them. Those involved in Athlone have been doing this work for the past four years in response to the building boom. The DIT on Bolton Street has been doing this work since its formation. I seek clarification of the matter.

I also seek clarification of another issue concerning a nonsense. Beckett Bridge is a superb piece of architecture and almost a part of the art infrastructure of Dublin. It is, however, completely redundant and pointless because the turning systems are restricted. There is a no left turn restriction which forces traffic directly into the centre of the city. This means residents in East Wall cannot use it and although one can use the car park at the Point, people cannot be dropped off at the venue. That was one of the reasons for building the bridge. It is a complete farrago of nonsense. I have investigated the matter and been told that the reason the system is in place is that some years ago the Government made an agreement with National Toll Roads that nothing would be done to decrease the flow of traffic on its toll roads. It has made enough money and bled motorists hard enough. The issue should be looked at. If that is the case - I am assured that it is - we must revisit the matter in order that the citizens of Dublin can have a bridge that is not only beautiful but also works.