Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)

We always do try to stay within budget but our organisation is driven by progress as well. To take the example of flood defences, for the first time ever we are at a figure of €100 million. We have 100 schemes. We are reaching out to the public at large all over the country to try to protect them from flooding.

On the building side and the Vote including the purchasing of the premises, we are trying to save on renting. Renting and leasing are very important but when an opportunity to buy a building comes along, we have to grasp it. It prevents us from having to rent and lease, and this alone results in savings. This is something we always consider, but we always try to keep within budget. My main focus is delivery, particularly on the flooding side.