Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I accept all of that. However, we are in the countdown to Christmas and there is a need to bring absolute clarity to the matter. We thank Mr. Walsh for TII's very quick engagement with the PPP providers. There was talk of a decision being made on 15, 16 or 17 December. That is too late. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform needs to be aware of the full cost implications. From what we hear, the decision may not involve the Houses of the Oireachtas. We want to be certain that when we finish for Christmas, people will know for sure there will not be increases on 1 July next year. We will follow up with the witnesses on what will happen for the six months thereafter.

I call Senator Horkan on behalf of Fianna Fáil.