Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 57: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he expects the Government to borrow to adequately fund the completion of Transport 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11193/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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As I said at the time of the launch of Transport 21, the unprecedented levels of investment envisaged under that investment framework depend on our continued prudent management of the public finances and compliance with the Stability and Growth Pact. Therefore the level of borrowing that is appropriate will be determined by Government in light of the range of economic and budgetary circumstances that obtain each year. I remain strongly of the view that the provision of quality infrastructure is vital to our future competitiveness, and I consider the programme of investment set out under the Transport 21 plan will be a key feature in securing sustainable, long-term social and economic prosperity.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has had contact in 2008 with the Department of Transport regarding the cost of Transport 21; if there have been communications regarding concerns over public transport investment financing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11194/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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As part of our normal duties of Government, I and my Cabinet colleagues regularly discuss and monitor Government expenditure across all of our key sectors, including transport. This is part of providing strong and prudent management of the public finances. Transport 21 is an unprecedented and ambitious programme for investing over €34 billion in projects that will transform our national transport infrastructure. My colleague, the Minister for Transport, together with his Department and the relevant transport agencies, is managing the delivery of his programme of transport projects within this framework.