Kate O'Connell (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the witnesses for being here today.

I thank the officials all for the work they have done over the past couple of weeks with the snow preparations. It was apparent that correct management saved lives. I thank them all for their commitment in that regard.

I am new to this. I am not new to the theatrics of committees which this seems to take to a new level in here. I look forward to it and hope to contribute to those in time when I find my feet.

On the €35 million being spent on refurbishments, it is a question of how long is a piece of string. I am sure it depends what state the houses are in. It depends on whether they need a lick of paint or have structural problems. For anyone to make a claim that spending €35 million on refurbishments is an awful lot of money, obviously, it is a lot of money but it depends on how many houses one is refurbishing.

If there is €35 million being spent on refurbishments, it is quite clear the Department has figures to show that some houses have a greater need. Do the officials have those figures here for us? Is it clear the ones that need a lick of paint and the ones that need a boiler? I refer to State property that is boarded up. I am sure there is significant structural issues with many of the Victorian houses. I suppose a EuroMillions figure of €35 million is a lot of money but I am sure refurbishment covers everything from gutters to foundations or whatever. In light of the previous contributors comments, Mr. McCarthy might elaborate on that.