Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I again ask the Leader to bring forward a debate on the public sector agreement, the so-called Croke Park deal. It is important we have this debate this week and I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that we have it today. It is important for two reasons. First, it is about leadership. Unlike other political parties, the Fine Gael Party has been strong on the need for reform of the public sector. As an advocate of the public service workers, I think it behoves all of us to show we are serious about reform of this country and of our economic situation. Second, this deal is the best available. While I understand the frustration of the public sector workers, many of whom are my friends and former colleagues, it is important this deal is passed. It is important that all political leaders would stand up and be counted when it comes to reform of the public sector and solidarity with the public sector workers.

I ask for a debate on Transport 21. It is extraordinary and beyond belief that a Minister in charge of a Department and in charge of Iarnród Éireann can admit in the Dáil Chamber yesterday that he did not know about a particular project being scrapped, stopped or stalled. Who is in charge of Government policy? We tabled an Adjournment matter in this House about the National Roads Authority, NRA, and were told the Minister has no responsibility for it. We made a request about Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann and were told the Minister has no direct responsibility. Who drives Government policy on transport? What is the point in having a Minister in charge of transport if we cannot get questions answered and hold Adjournment debates on the topic? Who is in charge? Can the Leader answer that question? Is Mr. Lynch in charge of Iarnród Éireann and somebody else in charge of something else? Is the Minister for Transport sitting behind a desk doing the crossword or is he driving policy to end the gridlock on the roads and to provide proper infrastructure in the cities and towns? That is a fundamental question that needs to be asked.