There was clear commitment in the programme for Government to the revitalisation of rural Ireland and also to the road network. I welcome the Taoiseach's visit to Ballymahon in Longford yesterday, even though, in the new spirit of politics, nobody from this side of the House was invited. Nevertheless, it was a good day.

It happened a number of times.

It will be good if the Government can implement some of what was included in the programme. My question was not answered yesterday as far as I understand. Will the Taoiseach give a commitment that the national primary routes, the N4 and N5, both going to the west and north west, will be included in the capital programme this year? The Taoiseach knows the neglect of these routes and he knows it is vital to upgrade them. It is vital to put a substantial sum into them. In the area of the west, apart from the roadway to Galway, there is no motorway into most of the west and north west where there are more than 500,000 people. At this stage, the Taoiseach must know, as I do, every pair of cat's eyes on the N5. It is really in need of work. The Taoiseach knows that. He travels it a number of times a week. Will the Taoiseach give me a clear commitment that both the N4 and N5 will be included in the capital programme of works in 2017?

I have been aware of both of these roads twice a week for the past 40 years. There are sections where there are difficulties with the archaeological excavations. There is a major capital review programme to be carried out mid-year. Some sections are more ready than others. Let us see the state of readiness of sections of the N4 and N5. Clearly we need continuing, major capital expenditure in particular locations throughout the country. These are the main arteries into the west and from the west to Dublin. There are sections that need to be improved.