John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)

Mr. Murphy mentioned in his presentation programmes such as the RRF, which was established after Covid for recovery and resilience. We have huge projects, but they are not being drawn down in time. It is the same with every European scheme that comes out. For example, there are schemes from 2021 to 2027. As Mr. Murphy mentioned, it is 2025 now and a lot of our funds have to be committed by the end of next year and drawn down. Is there something from his perspective we can try? All European programmes I recall that are established and have a five- or seven-year term, but it is year four before they start any traction. Is there any light at the end of that tunnel in terms of trying to make those more open and accessible? For example, in my county of Cork, the Irish Rail investments are being funded through the recovery and resilience fund, but that obviously takes time. It is now progressing but it obviously took time for the project to get up and going and to achieve planning permission and consent. These projects are pretty significant in the main and they will take time. Is it a lack of Government will in terms of being prepared for these funds? It probably knows they are coming. Is it a case in point that we are not prepared enough?