Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Let us have a real debate about the type of public transport we want and how we can have a public system that benefits everybody. As the Taoiseach stated and I mentioned yesterday, Bus Éireann is losing €50,000 per day on the Expressway service. That cannot be sustained no matter where one is from. The Senators have raised challenges regarding infrastructure deficits across the country and I would be very happy to have the Minister come back to answer those remarks and be specific on the issues raised. He has been here twice for debates and on a number of occasions for Commencement issues.

Senator Grace O'Sullivan spoke about the Heritage Bill 2016. It was agreed at the meeting of leaders last week that we might have four hours allocated to it tomorrow. My understanding is it will be from approximately 12.45 p.m. to 5 p.m. As was mentioned, the grouping of amendments is not my remit.

Senator Kieran O'Donnell referred to the Irish Cement plant in Limerick. I gave a commitment yesterday to Senator Byrne on that issue, which is very important. A debate on air pollution and clean air must take place. Senator Craughwell commented on the National Treatment Purchase Fund. I am happy for the Minister to come to the House to discuss the matter. I do not agree with the Senator regarding gerrymandering of the figures but I will ask the Minister to come to the House to provide clarification on the figures for the NTPF.

I join with Senator Feighan in highlighting the importance of St. Patrick's Day and the need for all of us, whether Ministers or whoever, to be able to sell the message of Ireland. To be fair, I might have my battles with Senator Daly, but he does a very good job of promoting Ireland across the United States and in particular in Capitol Hill. Senator Feighan does a similar job in the UK with the Good Friday and North-South committees. They are the role models we can use as public representatives, in addition to our Ministers. It is surprising that the British Irish Chamber of Commerce has only been around since 2011. Anyway, it is important that we sell Ireland.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised a very important and sensitive matter that is under investigation. I do not believe any of us would condone or support the loss of the amount of money Senator Ó Clochartaigh referenced – either €800,000 or €1 million - in regard to irregularities.

I am unsure whether the Minister is aware of the matter because I do not know who would bring the matter to his attention, whether the chief executive of Galway City Council or Galway County Council. Certainly, if Senator Ó Clochartaigh has information, I encourage him to go to the Minister, the local government Ombudsman, the Comptroller and Auditor General or perhaps the Committee of Public Accounts. Senator Ó Clochartaigh highlighted an important matter and it certainly should not be passed on to the taxpayer in any shape or form. An oversight mechanism should be used and I would be happy to work with Senator Ó Clochartaigh in that regard.