asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if his attention has been drawn to the proposals made in the 1987 draft Dublin city development plan, published this month, which proposes the construction of an underground rail link between Connolly and Heuston Stations, and calls for the completion of the rapid rail network, extending the DART service to Tallaght, Dublin 24, Lucan, County Dublin and Clondalkin, Dublin 22; if in view of the importance of these proposals for the Dublin development plan he will make finance available for these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

As the Deputy is aware, the Dublin Transport Authority is responsible for appraising and making recommendations to me and to the Minister for the Environment and the relevant local authorities, as appropriate, on the long term planning of transport in the Dublin area. Any proposals for the construction of an underground rail link or for the extension of the DART system accordingly fall to be considered in the first instance by the Dublin Transport Authority, in the light of the transport requirements of the Dublin area as a whole.

There are no proposals in relation to the items mentioned in the question under examination in my Department.

The Minister is seeking to hide behind the Dublin Transport Authority. Is he aware that today that Authority is sadly lacking in funding and resources to such an extent that it is incapable, in its own estimation, of carrying out any serious review or service for the Government? Is the Minister planning to take any action in regard to placing that Authority on a firm and proper basis?

Arising from the Deputy's suggestion that I am hiding behind the Dublin Transport Authority, I have no intention of so doing. When the Bill was going through the House, I tried to put flesh on the Dublin Transport Authority so that nobody would be able to use it for this kind of purpose. I stated the facts as they are. There is a statutory obligation on the Dublin Transport Authority to consider these proposals. No such proposals are before my Department or before the Government as of now. I want to assure the House of that.

May I draw the Min ister's attention to the form of my question, that is, whether he has been appraised, as yet, of the proposal in the draft Dublin development plan, published two weeks ago, to build an underpass linking the two stations and, equally important, to develop a rapid rail system to the west county, the Tallaght and Clondalkin areas, and if his Department will undertake to assist Dublin Corporation, in every way possible, in the pursuit of what is clearly identified in the report as very badly needed transport development in the city?

I want to call the attention of the House to the fact that, as indicated in the question, the plan is a draft plan and intended only for internal circulation to city councillors. It is not available to the public. In fact, the draft has yet to go to the city council — it has not been formally approved by them. It would be very strange if the city council, from which it emanates, had not considered it, and I am expected to have considered it.

What is the present position concerning the proposed busway from Dundrum to the centre city? My understanding is that this has received the support of Dublin County Council. What is the Department's view and is any expenditure proposed for it in the next year?

This question relates to the rail network.

I am afraid I have no information with regard to that question but if Deputy Colley puts down a question, or writes to me, I will give her all the information we have in my Department about this.

What moneys and staffing levels are being made available to the Dublin Transport Authority in the coming year, given that the Minister will be relying on the Authority in making his decisions.

I cannot answer that question off the top of my head but I will communicate with the Deputy and give him what information is in my Department about this matter.

Is the Minister aware of the serious financial and staffing levels complained of by the Authority in the national media today?

One thing I am aware is that it was an etiolated Dublin Transport Authority which emerged from this House compared with what I had intended. With regard to the finances for the Authority, I have no specific information.