Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The question Senator Norris posed about property tax is with what would it be replaced. It goes back to the old question we all have on how to fund the provision of services and the provision of facilities for people.

I join with Senator Kieran O’Donnell in extending sympathy to the deceased man’s family after that tragic motorway accident. He is right to highlight the issue of aquaplaning. A road on which the Cathaoirleach travels most weeks, from Sarsfield Road to Wilton and from Bishopstown to Ardarostig Cross, is equally conducive to aquaplaning. Either in this House or before the transport committee, TII needs to discuss and debate the quality of the infrastructure in parts of the country where some of the issues raised by Senator O’Donnell can be seen.

Senator Colm Burke raised an issue that I am sure we will debate with the Minister, Deputy Coveney, about Ireland 2040 and the future of planning infrastructure, which was requested yesterday. The Senator is right to underline the importance of planning for the future.