Does the Minister agree that the DART system is working very satisfactorily in respect of the excellent numbers using the system, its speed and efficiency and the very satisfactory effect it has had on easing traffic congestion? Would he agree with Deputy Mac Giolla when he referred to it as the outstanding success of the Dublin area rapid transport system?

The Deputy is anticipating another question on the Order Paper.

I am not. It is related to the reference made by the Minister.

I thought the Deputy was referring to another question.

Question No. 72 deals with that topic.

I may not be here when that question is being answered. The Minister referred to it so I am asking him a direct question as to whether he believes the system is working very satisfactorily in respect of the extra numbers using it, the speed and efficiency of the traffic on the line and the very worthwhile effect it has had on traffic congestion in the city?

The opening of the DART system has given CIE and the public a great lift. It costs a lot of money. I must criticise the way that was handled by my predecessors. it was approved by the then Government five weeks before the local elections in 1979 on a grant aid basis. Five weeks after the election it was changed to a loan basis.

Now see what we have got into.

It has achieved high passenger numbers, but it would need to double those numbers to break even. There are depreciation and financial charges, so it will cost CIE a lot of money.

Does the Minister agree that if he takes VAT, inflation and so on into consideration the cost of the new system worked out roughly the same as the original estimate?

That is right.

Question No. 72 deals specifically with this.

I was responsible for the system and am very proud of the fact.

We cannot debate it.