Vol. 512 No. 1
15 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the nature of the understanding between the Government and Deputy Gildea; the written agreement, if any, which exists between the two parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25076/99]
16 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the nature of the understanding between the Government and Deputy Blaney; the written agreement, if any, which exists between the two parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25077/99]
17 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the nature of the understanding between the Government and Deputy Fox; the written agreement, if any, which exists between the two parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25078/99]
18 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the nature of the understanding between the Government and Deputy Healy-Rae; the written agreement, if any, which exists between the two parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25079/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 to 18, inclusive, together.
I have explained on a number of occasions that I have had discussions with the independent Deputies who support the Government. In these meetings the Deputies have indicated what their priorities are. In some instances the Deputies have indicated some of these priorities to the House and in other instances have found other ways of publicising the priorities.
All Members of the House are aware that we have increased expenditure on a whole range of Government programmes and in particular our capital programmes. As already announced in the national development plan further increases are planned in the programmes and this will allow the Government to further accelerate and bring forward proposals for completion earlier than planned. It is my intention over the life of the Government to deal with as many of the issues brought to my attention by these Deputies as expeditiously as possible.
This House is well aware of the priority that my Government has given to county roads, water and sewerage treatment, education, tourism and rural development and the additional resources that we have provided for them. Many of the priorities indicated by the Deputies are already priorities for their respective local authorities and indeed some of them are included in the review of the programme for Government and the national development plan.
