Many Members referred to the capital plan, the aim of which is to secure recovery and ensure all regions share in the benefits. The €27 billion investment plan for Ireland is essential to the restoration by 2018 of all of the jobs lost during the recession and a reduction in the unemployment rate to 6% by 2020. This is affordable, achievable and consistent with the Government's plan to eliminate Government borrowing by 2018.

It was necessary throughout the financial crisis to keep spending under control. To restore the national finances to stability, we used every innovative way we could to raise additional capital to invest in Ireland's recovery. The proposed new investment in roads, public transport, education, health care, flood risk reduction, enterprise and policing is designed to alleviate growing pressures in the economy which hold back recovery. As the recovery is not yet complete, we must continue to manage the national finances carefully or risk falling back. The Government could not afford to include everything we wanted in the plan, but it represents the best of what can be delivered with the available resources. The Government has no intention of going back to the bad old days of boom and bust. The days of blank cheques are well gone.

The capital investment plan provides for approximately €42 billion of State-backed investment in capital projects. As I mentioned, the Exchequer is providing €27 billion for investment in national projects. Support will also be provided from the ERDF and the European Union. Under the plan, more than 45,000 construction-related jobs will be created in projects throughout the country, including new road infrastructure, new schools and a new modern metro system in Dublin, as referred to on the Order of Business by several Members. It provides for more investment in enterprise support services which were also mentioned on the Order of Business.

Garda technology was mentioned by several Members, including Senator Marc MacSharry. In addition to the investment already made in this area in the past year, further investment in Garda vehicles and technology to address the many issues highlighted today by Members is being provided for.

Senator Marc MacSharry proposed an amendment to the Order of Business that the Minister for Health, Deputy Leo Varadkar, come to the House today. I do not propose to accede to the Senator's request as the Minister was in the House only half an hour ago to address two items raised by his colleagues. I am sure that if he seeks to address the issue by way of a Commencement matter, the Minister will be willing to come to the House to respond to it.

Senator Ivana Bacik spoke about the benefits of investment provided for in the capital plan and noted that the unemployment rate was down to 9.4%. Who would have believed when the unemployment rate was in excess of 15%, that it would be back down to 9.4% in such a short time? The Senator also complimented Trinity College, Dublin on its recent remembrance ceremony to remember over 500 former staff and students who had died in the First World War.

The Senator also called for a debate on the repeal of the eighth amendment. This, obviously, will be a subject of debate during the general election campaign and I do not wish that campaign to start in the House any time soon, considering that the general election is still a number of months away.

Senator David Norris welcomed the metro scheme. I note his comments in that regard, as well as about the Minister of State, Deputy Dara Murphy.

Senator Cáit Keane welcomed the investment in Garda technology. She noted the importance of the elimination of the paper trail where insurance and tax discs were concerned and how smart technology could be used to detect defaulters.

Senator Paschal Mooney called for a debate on the homeless, while noting the comments of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, as well as those of his party spokesperson, in the television debate last evening. I agree with him on the need to have a debate in this House and will try to arrange it with the Minister of State with responsibility for housing.

Senator John Kelly referred to the tendering process for various bus routes and the need for greater transparency in this regard.

Senator Sean D. Barrett questioned the value for money of the metro service to the airport, which probably ran contrary to what Senator David Norris had said.

Senator Sean D. Barrett also highlighted the supervision of standards in accountancy and the need to maintain qualifications. I could not agree more with him; there is a need to maintain standards, especially in view of what the country has gone through in the past decade.

Senator Terry Brennan spoke about the national Tidy Towns day and congratulated the overall winner, Letterkenny, as well as all of the winners in this great competition. He also complimented the voluntary efforts of all concerned. I compliment RTE's "Nationwide" programme on its excellent coverage of the event and give due recognition to everyone involved in the competition.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson referred to rural Ireland and the marauding gangs that were plundering it, while welcoming the new resources made available for the Garda and noting the need for smart technology and additional Garda vehicles, issues which are addressed in the capital plan.

Senator Michael Mullins spoke about the ambitious plan for recovery and welcomed the provision of development moneys for towns such as Ballinasloe.

Senator Feargal Quinn also spoke about the theme of smart technology for the Garda and noted that the number of burglaries had increased by 8%. He is quite correct. That is the reason the Minister for Justice and Equality will come to the House soon to introduce a new burglary of dwellings Bill. Members will have an opportunity to discuss the issue with her at that time.

Senator Feargal Quinn also lauded the organisers of the National Ploughing Championships which were a wonderful success and have been for many years. I join the Senator in complimenting all those involved.

Senator Paul Coghlan called for greater funding for agricultural investment, particularly in agri-environment services and for the National Parks and Wildlife Service. I am sure many of these issues will be dealt with in the budget.

Senator Gerard P. Craughwell referred to the processing of visa applications and the delays and inconvenience caused to so many on Burgh Quay, in particular. I agree with him that something radical must be done to address the matter because what is happening there should not be allowed to continue. I will certainly bring it to the attention of the relevant Minister.

I note that more than 90% of the Garda stations closed were one-man operations in which a garda had been present for a maximum of one to two hours a day. However, I agree with Senator Gerard P. Craughwell that in the case of the Garda station in Stepaside, it is a different ball game.

Senator Rónán Mullen discussed the challenges facing small towns, an issue which I am sure will be addressed in the budget. He also called for a debate on the situation in Syria. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade attended the House a number of months ago to address that topic, but I agree that he should return. I am sure he would be willing to have a further debate on it and, in particular, the persecution of minorities and the political situation in the country.

Senator John Gilroy welcomed the capital plan and its benefits for Cork and many other areas. In Waterford the combination of funding contained in the plan and funding from the European Regional Development Fund and local authorities will help to underpin a €35 million investment plan that includes the regeneration of Tramore and Waterford city and further development of the Deise greenway. The money will be welcome in my county.

Senator Paul Bradford mentioned an item on the Order Paper, the report on the cost of medical indemnity insurance. Rather than noting the report, he called for a debate on the issue. I will try to arrange such a debate with the Minister for Health in early course.