Would the Minister agree that there seems to be a campaign being orchestrated at present to denigrate the whole Howth-Bray scheme before it has had a chance to prove whether it is viable and profitable? Would he agree that this is a futile exercise at this stage?

That seems to be a separate question, Deputy. I know the Minister brought it in but it does not arise on the questions in the Order Paper.

I humbly submit that if the line to Tallaght is being knocked on the basis of costs on the Howth-Bray line, which are frightening people, my question is relevant to the Minister's reply.

It does not arise on any of the three questions on the Order Paper.

The Minister brought it in as a reason for the undesirability of going ahead with the Tallaght line now.

The Minister had a swipe at it but the Deputy is now going into it in great depth.

Could I ask a question arising out of the Minister's reply?

I will discourage it. We have had a lot of questions.