Hildegarde Naughton, TD

Department continue to monitor the impact of fiscal and economic constraints imposed throughout the economy in the course of the economic downturn with a view to identifying specific targets for amelioration as part of the planned economic recovery

Government Bond may be considered to fund major infrastructure deficiencies such as water, energy, roads, telecommunications, coastal erosion flood alleviation

future reform objectives over the next two years;

infrastructural deficiency such as road, rail, water, housing, telecommunications and/or energy with a view to a determination as to the way to proceed to address these issues in the context of overall requirements as part of planned economic recovery

expects it may be feasible to encourage further investment in the public housing/procurement programme

quality, courage and reliability of the mobile telephone service rests with his Department, the regulator, or the service providers

simplified water charge system which could be affordable, would reflect the consumers ability to pay, be less administratively costly and at the same time cost effective address the urgent need for investment in a vital part of infrastructure;

It is hard to believe that only three weeks ago on the eve of the budget the newspapers were full of concern that there might be a giveaway budget that could jeopardise the national recovery or that not enough would be given away. In the event, every single taxpayer and welfare recipient will be better off as a result of this budget, albeit by a modest amount.

Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) encourages all Symphysiotomy victims to consider applying to the redress scheme announced today for women who underwent a surgical symphysiotomy. Former High Court Judge Maureen Harding Clark has been appointed as an independent assessor to oversee the implementation of the scheme.

Fine Gael TD for Kildare South, Martin Heydon, has questioned the need for the Gridlink project on the basis of an ESB submission on national energy policy. Deputy Heydon was speaking in the Dáil this evening (Thursday), where he questioned Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White TD, on the matter.