Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 22: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on a review of speed limits on the national motorway network in view of the role that lower speed limits can play in reducing transport carbon emissions and in cutting road deaths and serious injuries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9620/08]

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 27: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the inclusion of a recommendation for mandatory eco cars for the ministerial and State vehicle fleet in the proposed sustainable travel and transport action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9621/08]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 42: To ask the Minister for Transport the timeline for the publication of the sustainable transport and travel action plan after the conclusion of the consultation process; his views on whether accompanying legislation will be necessary; the carbon emissions and car ownership targets that will be necessary to achieve the 2020 vision outlined in the consultation document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9605/08]

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will clarify his position on congestion charges for Dublin; his views on the introduction of charges once Transport 21 has come on stream; when he estimates is the earliest time that public transport alternatives will be present throughout the mid-east region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9622/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 27, 42 and 67 together.

On 25 February 2008, I commenced a public consultation exercise that will lead, during 2008, to the adoption by Government of a sustainable travel and transport action plan.

Pending completion of the consultation exercise, I am open to suggestions from all quarters in relation to the content of the proposed action plan. Accordingly, at this stage, it would be premature for me to set targets or make decisions, in the context of sustainable travel and transport, on issues such as modal shift, vehicle specification or revisions to speed limits. The outcome of the consultation exercise will ultimately determine whether or not legislation will be required for the implementation of the sustainable travel and transport action plan.

In relation to congestion charging in Dublin, I have no ideological problem with such a proposal. However, I consider that adequate alternative transportation options, including measures envisaged under Transport 21, must be available to commuters before such charging could be viewed as feasible.