Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not so certain about that, a Leas-Chathaoirligh.

I was asked if this was all my fault. I was in a shop in my constituency recently and I happened to say to the lady selling me the newspaper that it was a very wet day. She turned to me and said it was all my fault. It is amazing how quickly the public understands who is now responsible for the mess others have created.

I thank colleagues for their contributions. I suppose the net issue is there is a solution to every problem but the question is the cost of it and whether it is economically viable and will make the difference. We need to have an evidence-based approach which shows clearly that if we are to spend money, it will make a difference. We did not always do that in the past, as Senator Barrett rightly said. Willy-nilly decisions were taken on the basis of political prioritisation of constituencies. This is not a reference to the previous Administration or the former Minister of State, Martin Mansergh-----