Mr. David Moloney:

I certainly can understand the concern and in an inflationary environment that concern is emphasised. We are looking at planning permission and at our own processes. It would be appropriate for all State agencies to look at their own processes. We discussed the underspending of capital earlier on also, so at this stage, with a greatly expanded capital programme, it is very important that all public sector agencies look at their procedures.

On the other hand, I have to go back to the reasons we have many of these procedures, which are twofold. First, we have had problems in the past, in particular with major projects. Second, all of the evidence shows that planning around detailed specification and proper business cases at the start makes it a quicker process.