Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

I support the calls for a debate on the national development plan. Since the beginning of the year, we have been hearing that €3 billion in cuts and a €1 billion reduction in capital spending are coming down the line. However, it is only when constituents read today's newspapers to see where these cuts are being proposed that alarm bells begin to ring in their ears. Of the 40 projects outlined in today's newspaper reports, five are in Donegal. From my point of view as a representative from that county, this shows it is being singled out in terms of investment being withdrawn. We need to start discussing this issue. I do not concur with Senator Boyle that we are agreed on these €1 billion cuts. If there are alternatives, we should debate them. We must have a real debate on what the cuts will mean in terms of people's ability to travel along good roads and railways and for the future of our regional airports. Furthermore, tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of people in the construction sector want to get back to work on building these roads and rail lines. We must invest in our transport infrastructure to ensure we are competitive when the upturn comes again. The Government's decisions will make this more difficult. I call for an immediate debate on the issue and ask the Leader to give an assurance before the Seanad rises for the summer recess that the Minister for Transport will come before the House for a full and lengthy discussion on the matter.