Transport crisis - Do we need a minister?

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey is back in the country and making no apologies for taking his holidays in the midst of the bad weather.

The cold snap was forecast well in advance, so there can be no question of being caught by surprise.

Everybody is entitled to a holiday and it was understandable that he and his wife would wish to take a break after such a momentous family event as the marriage of their eldest daughter, but political responsibilities cannot be simply put on hold during times of crisis.