Tony McCormack (Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for his opening statement. The national development plan is probably one of the most important pieces of work we will do over the next few years. It is vital for our economy, country and society in general. It is important we get it right. Will the Minister outline how much is being invested in water and energy infrastructure, nationally and in the midlands? In many areas, including County Offaly, a lack of capacity in the water services and pressure on the energy grid are holding back delivery of housing and making it harder for businesses to expand. Housing is the most important part of the development plan. It means a lot to the people living here - those on the housing waiting lists and young people who want to buy and get onto the property ladder - and it is one of the issues that feeds into whether we attract more foreign direct investment. As part of the overall housing equation, we must develop our water and power infrastructure. That is why these investments are so important.

The national development plan outlines significant commitments to health digitisation and capacity increases. Given the recent cost overruns and delivery delays in the health sector, how will the Minister's Department ensure value for money and accountability in health-related capital spending?

The Minister committed to stimulating infrastructure delivery. What specific measure in his forthcoming action plan will cut down on average timelines for planning and judicial processes? He has already spoken about cutting timelines but will he respond on the judicial processes and how his measures will progress those reforms?