Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

Yes, it was quite protracted with the contracts. It is the most significant investment from the point of view of building blocks that we have undertaken. There was considerable and protracted engagement on the contract because it was something new. It was to ensure we were protecting the investment of the State with the question of the 17 years and all of that. All those contracts have been agreed and signed. We are up and running now and that is a positive. There was a delay but there was great learning from it as well. I am committed to there being a second type of building blocks programme next year. Because of what we have learned this year, it will be smoother. We had to make every effort to ensure we were protecting the investment of the State. It was protracted for that reason. There were other issues with the building blocks scheme where some of those who put forward proposals did not actually own the land. There were a lot of difficulties there. We have them ironed out at this stage. All contracts have issued, and I think nearly all of them have been signed.