Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I was very impressed with Senator Leyden's sympathetic contribution about the murders of people in Israel. I wish to comment on the previous murders of a baby, a mother and others by Palestinians. I am not sure what their motives were but Senator Leyden made reference to the case as well and to the demolition of the flat in which a gentleman lived. I agree with the Senator that such actions are very counter-productive. I compliment him because although he comes from a very committed viewpoint and is very committed to the Palestinian side, it is rare in this House to hear sympathy being expressed to Israel and the Israeli people. It is a welcome development. It was right and proper that he did what he did, particularly when he is not seen as a great friend of Israel. I do not mean that as a criticism but as a compliment.

I agree with Senator Barrett on the Eircode proposals. Senator Quinn made reference to the matter as well. I am also a member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications. Yesterday, I listened to representatives from different sources who are involved in the Eircode proposals and know there is a great concern about the matter. Senator Barrett alluded to a figure that emerged yesterday when Deputy Michael Moynihan, who is our spokesman on the area, asked the witnesses how much had been spent on consultants' fees.

It emerged that some €1.8 million has already been expended and that a further €1.6 million will be expended by the time the project is completed. However, what was interesting was that the gentleman concerned then said this constituted only 6% of the total figure. Senator Barrett was very quick to point out in my presence that this now means the cost of introducing the Eircode system is in excess of €50 million. The questions he has raised are legitimate. The information is coming from a committee of the two Houses and it is in this context that I share and support the Senator's view that the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Alex White, should outline in the House exactly what is happening regarding the provision of area codes.

Let me make a final point to reinforce my request. When it was asked whether the model being proposed by Eircode had been adopted in any other country, the reply was that it had not and that it would be unique to Ireland. I am not trying to suggest this could be another Irish Water but it certainly is raising fundamental questions that need to be addressed. They need to be addressed early and not late in the day when the decisions are taken. This needs to be addressed now. Therefore, I strongly urge the Minister to come to the House to answer questions.