Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Many Members have raised the issue of the capital plan, the aim of which is to secure recovery and ensure all regions share in the benefits. The €27 billion investment plan for Ireland is essential to the restoration by 2018 of all the jobs lost during the recession and a reduction in the unemployment rate to 6% by 2020. This is affordable, achievable and consistent with the Government's plan to eliminate Government borrowing by 2018. It was necessary throughout the financial crisis to keep spending under control. To restore our national finances to stability we used every innovative way we could to raise additional capital to invest in Ireland's recovery. The proposed new investment in roads, public transport, education, health care, flood risk, enterprise and policing is designed to alleviate growing pressures in the economy which hold back recovery. The recovery is not yet complete and we must continue to manage the national finances carefully or risk falling back. The Government could not afford to include everything we wanted in this plan but it represents the best of what can be delivered with the available resources. As a Government we have no intention of going back to the bad old days of boom and bust. The days of blank cheques are well gone.

This capital investment plan provides approximately €42 billion of State-backed investment in capital projects. As I mentioned, the Exchequer is providing €27 billion for investment in national projects. Support will also be provided from the ERDF and Europe. Under the plan, more than 45,000 construction-related jobs will be created in projects throughout the country, including new road infrastructure, new schools and a new modern metro system in Dublin, as referred to on the Order of Business by several Members. It also provides more investment in enterprise support services, which were also mentioned on the Order of Business.

Garda technology was also mentioned by several Members, including Senator MacSharry. In addition to the investment already made available in this area over the past year, further investment in Garda vehicles and technology to address the many issues raised today by Members is being provided. Senator MacSharry also proposed an amendment to the Order of Business seeking that the Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, come to the House today. I do not propose to accede to the Senator's request as the Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, was in the House only half an hour ago to address two items raised by his colleagues. I am sure that if the Senator seeks to address the issue by way of Commencement debate the Minister will be willing to come to the House to respond to it.

Senator Bacik also spoke of the benefits of investment in the capital plan and noted that the unemployment rate is down to 9.4%. Who would have believed when unemployment was up in excess of 15% that it would be down to 9.4% in such a short time? Senator Bacik also complimented Trinity College, Dublin, on its recent remembrance ceremony in respect of over 500 former staff and students who died in the First World War.Senator Bacik also called for a debate on the repeal of the eighth amendment. This obviously will be a subject during the election campaign and I do not wish to have that campaign started in the House any time soon, considering that the election still is a number of months away. Senator Norris welcomed the metro scheme, and I note his comments in that regard, as well as his comments about the Minister of State, Deputy Dara Murphy. Senator Keane welcomed investment in Garda technology and noted the importance of the elimination of the paper trail where insurance and tax discs are concerned and how smart technology could be used to detect defaulters. Senator Mooney called for a debate on the homeless, while noting the comments of the Minister, as well as those of his own party spokesperson, on last evening's television debate. I agree with him on the need for a debate in this House and will try to arrange it with the Minister of State with responsibility for housing. Senator Kelly raised the tendering process for various bus routes and the need for greater transparency in this regard. Senator Barrett questioned the value for money of the metro to the airport, which probably was contrary to what Senator Norris mentioned. Senator Barrett also highlighted the supervision of standards in accountancy and the need to maintain qualifications. I could not agree more with the Senator; there is a need to maintain standards in this area, especially in view of what the country has gone through over the past decade. Senator Brennan spoke about the national Tidy Towns day and congratulated the overall winner, Letterkenny, as well as all the winners in this great competition, and complimented the voluntary effort of all concerned. I also wish to compliment RTE's "Nationwide" programme on its excellent coverage of the event and to give due recognition to everyone involved in this competition.

Senator Wilson raised the issue of rural Ireland and the marauding gangs that are plundering it, while welcoming the new resources for the Garda and noting the need for smart technology and additional Garda vehicles, which will be addressed in the capital plan. Senator Mullins spoke on the ambitious plan for recovery and welcomed the funding of development moneys for towns such as Ballinasloe. Senator Quinn also spoke on the theme of smart technology for the Garda and noted that burglaries have increased by 8%. He is quite correct in this regard, and that is the reason the Minister will come to the House soon to introduce a new burglary Bill. Members will have an opportunity to discuss this issue with the Minister at that time. Senator Quinn also lauded the organisers of the National Ploughing Championship, which was an absolutely wonderful success and has been for many years. I join with the Senator in complimenting all involved. Senator Paul Coghlan called for greater funding for agricultural investment, particularly in the agri-environment services and for the National Parks and Wildlife Service. I am sure many of these issues will be referred to in the budget.

Senator Craughwell raised the issue of the administration of visas and the delays and the inconvenience that are caused to so many people in Burgh Quay in particular. I agree with him that something radical must be done to address it, because what is happening there at present should not be allowed to continue. I certainly will bring this matter to the attention of the Minister. As for Garda stations, I note that more than 90% of the stations that were closed were one-man operated stations in which gardaí were present for a maximum of one to two hours per day. However, I agree with the Senator that in the case of Stepaside, it is a different ball game. Senator Mullen discussed the challenges for small towns, which I am sure will be addressed in the budget. He also called for a debate on Syria. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade attended the House some months ago on that topic, but I agree that he should return. I am sure that he would be willing to have a further debate on Syria, particularly regarding the persecution of minorities and the political situation.

Senator Gilroy welcomed the capital plan and its benefits for Cork and many other areas. In Waterford, the combination of funding contained in this plan and other funding from the European Regional Development Fund, ERDF, and local authorities will help to underpin a €35 million investment plan that includes the regeneration of Tramore and Waterford city and further development of the Deise greenway. The money will be welcome in my county.

Senator Bradford mentioned an item on the Order Paper, the report on the cost of medical indemnity insurance. Rather than noting the report, he has called for a debate. I will try to arrange for one with the Minister in early course.