Ivor Callely (Independent)

First, along the lines referred to by Senator O'Toole, I equally warmly welcome the application for the railway order for the DART twin tunnel underground from East Wall to Inchicore. This application and other transport measures, such as that mentioned by Senator O'Toole, will greatly assist commuters in the Dublin area. I ask the Leader to obtain from the Department of Transport their timelines and schedules for public transport infrastructural works such as the metro, the DART underground and the connecting of the green and red Luas lines mentioned by Senator O'Toole. Such information should include the entire question of public transport connectivity and integration, which of course includes the introduction of a single fare for use on all such public transport services.

If possible, I also ask the Leader to arrange for a progress report from the Minister for Finance on the NAMA process. I understand that NAMA's aims are twofold. First, it is to reduce construction debts and assist the financial institutions to recapitalise and second it is to work with developers over a ten-year period to find suitable work-out solutions on the various sites. I was pleased to read in a newspaper today that one such project in Tallaght was mentioned. I seek to find out whether Members can learn of progress in respect of the NAMA process, of which I am highly supportive. I understand many of the people concerned have the necessary financial expertise to assist. I would very much like to receive a progress report on the work-out solutions proposed.