Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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There is a proposal that we write back in the first instance seeking further information regarding land use and afforestation in agriculture and in relation to electricity backup and generation. The figure given looks like €23 billion, with between €9 billion and €13 billion under another heading of electricity generation, with €1 billion for backup generation. It is proposed that we also raise the need for availability of workforce training and a pipeline of people coming through and ask if this is being taken into account. It is also proposed to ask if the Department has had discussions with the relevant Departments that come under the headings of electricity, power generation, transport, buildings and industry and agriculture. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The next item of correspondence is No. 1502B and is also from Mr. David Moloney, Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. It is dated 11 October and provides the information requested by the committee on the proposed building standards regulator and the national building control management project. This arose from our consideration of the minute of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, which responded to the recommendations in the committee's report on its examination of the appropriation accounts for Vote 34, housing, planning and local government. It is proposed to note and publish that correspondence. Is that agreed? Agreed.

No. 4 is the work programme. At last week's meeting, we agreed to proceed with a schedule of engagements to Christmas and the secretariat is working to make the necessary arrangements. We also agreed to schedule a meeting with An Bord Pleanála after Christmas. Next week, we will engage with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Deputy Hourigan asked that we add a meeting with the regulator of the approved housing sector to the work programme. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Are there any other matters that members wish to raise? No. We will adjourn until 9.30 a.m. on Thursday, 27 October, when the committee will engage with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. We look forward to that. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.