Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not know the details of the national planning framework. However, I am conscious that it seeks to revive rural communities, while also providing for the compact development of urban areas. I do not want to pronounce on the numbers without obtaining more information.

We received submissions from most Departments which saw merit in the proposal. Obviously, there is clear merit in smart farming, digital education, rural areas revival and e-health. The benefits are outlined cleared by the Departments responsible for them. However, it is also important to hear the sceptical voices and evaluate what they have to say, but at the end of the day the State must make a decision. As I said in the Dáil, one of the most momentous decisions ever taken was the decision to introduce free second level education. It changed the face of Ireland. However, it was opposed by what was then the Department of Finance. We rightly elect Governments and Governments make decisions. Our peers, people who are elected, ultimately make these decisions. We listen closely to the advice. I assure the Senator that hours and hours were put into an evaluation of the various alternatives.

The minimum estimate of what it would take to start a new procurement process and get it going again was 37 months. That is the figure I have. The expectation is that it would take more than three years if we had to start from scratch again.