Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The debate we had on cost optimal reminded me of similar debates I have had around price quality ratio, most economically advantageous tender, and so on. There is a big push around procurement. In procurement, one option is the most economically advantageous tender, which is effectively just about cost, and there is price quality ratio. In the context of procurement, and while I am aware this is drifting into public building, I am very interested in the national development plan, because it will tie in, not necessarily in terms of individual homes but perhaps looking at matters like congregated settings. What might be done more in terms of a pressure point in procurement and raising the required standards? I would also be interested in Mr. Parlon's view on this. This is different from the legal standard required as the base. This is the desired standard that might be required as a quality measure within a price quality criteria in public procurement. I am very interested in this in terms of capital expenditure, new public housing that might be built, and how we might press that further. On financing, which may have been touched on earlier, what are witnesses views on European Investment Bank financing for those front-loaded schemes, public housing and other areas? On materials, the cement and concrete industries are very major carbon producers. Is there a review or what is the mechanism of review not just of what materials are basic and safe but also of which are preferable?