John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister for extending his time at the meeting. It was much appreciated as everybody received an answer to the questions they raised. The Minister has assented to return to the committee in September. I appreciate that he will come before the committee prior to the budget because the committee will be making a submission in the context of capital expenditure. In this context the establishment of the independent office for budget oversight is beginning to gain traction.

As Vice Chairman, the only comment I will make on the outcome on water charges is that the decision was the result of an all-party Oireachtas committee. The Minister is speaking to everybody, I assume, when he is addressing members on the consequences of the decision, which was a decision made by the Oireachtas.

I thank the Minister and his officials for their attendance. I ask members to stay to go through the final business of the committee.