Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

The Minister will be glad to know that I will not quibble about the fact that the water charges are being abolished and the cost will be met by the Central Fund. I just believe that the Central Fund should be larger by tapping into other sources of revenue. Will the Minister confirm that the cost of abolishing water charges will not impact on the water infrastructure capital investment plans over the coming years?

Regarding the economics and finances of the Government's housing plans, has the Minister any interest in the point that much of Rebuilding Ireland depends on the delivery of HAP, leasing schemes and so on - approximately 75% - rather than the direct provision of social housing? It is under review, but does the Minister for Finance believe it is sensible that, of the 110,000 target of various types of social housing to 2021, the bulk will involve ongoing current expenditure as opposed to directly provided housing? The upfront capital cost of the latter would be greater, but that housing would eventually become a net source of revenue. The alternative does not make sense. Has the Minister any comment to make on it? From a medium-term point of view, it would be more sustainable and sensible to build more of our own housing stock instead of leasing and so on.

How much will we spend on legal costs in 2018 to defend the Apple case and try to prevent us getting the €13 billion? Is the €13 billion in the escrow account yet and does it generate any interest? If it does, what are we going to do with that?

How much motor tax revenue do we generate and what exactly will be done with that?