Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I totally agree with the Minister. When we put money into that, while it does not actually result in greater housing numbers, it is good forward planning to be able to do that.

I will move to the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, on the National Parks and Wildlife Service. It was probably during 2008 and 2009 that its budget was cut by about 70%, although it was not within the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage at that stage. We have seen the investment and budget for the National Parks and Wildlife Service increasing each year. What has been the result? I visited a very impressive conservation site in Wicklow recently. We will have the National Parks and Wildlife Service before the committee in two weeks to discuss its strategy and resources. I ask the Minister of State to give an overview if he has that information to hand.