Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I also believe the House should adjourn to discuss the massive changes to the national development plan being proposed. My concern should be shared on both sides of the House. The changes would have a negative impact on badly needed infrastructural development projects and on the economies of local areas in terms of job creation and certainly would have safety implications, as outlined by Senator Cummins in terms of the provision of rest areas on motorways, an issue on which we had long discussions in the House last year and the previous year. This would be regressive, counterproductive and pessimistic at a time when we want to boost the economy. The metro project proposals in Dublin to the construction of bypasses around towns such as Tralee and road works in Belturbet, Sligo, Tipperary and elsewhere would have an impact on employment throughout the country. These are the projects the Government should be looking to develop. It is what the country needs and should be considered in terms of the impact on employment. This will have more of a potential impact on the economy than the closure of Dell three times over. That is what we are talking about and we need a discussion on it. We should examine the issue so the people who advised Ministers can hear the political, social and infrastructural impact of what they are proposing. It is okay for people sitting in offices to think a couple of million euro can be saved this year or next but the long-term regulatory, safety, infrastructural, employment and economic impact must be seen in context. All these need to be considered and we should discuss what seems to be an anti-employment measure coming from Government sources. We should stop the issue at source and find time to discuss the matter in order to bring our views to Cabinet right now.