asked the Minister for the Environment whether, in view of the necessity to upgrade Dublin city centre area, and especially O'Connell Street, Dublin 1 and to improve pedestrian safety, he will reinstate the Dublin Metropolitan Streets Commission.

I do not propose to reinstate the Dublin Metropolitan Streets Commission. The decision to dissolve the commission was taken in the light of the severe financial problems facing the country and of the fact that Dublin Corporation has both the powers and the capacity to implement whatever improvements are needed in Dublin city.