Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I am conscious this is a long session, so I will make just one or two brief points because a lot of the ground has been covered. Without doubt, many of the economic indicators are positive, from employment to interest rates and across the board. Much of the emphasis from the various contributions relates to being steady and keeping an eye out for the days when things will not be so good. At the time of the previous budget, two sizeable funds were established. Only one contributor referred to those funds They are intended specifically for difficult days ahead. Is there any reason the other contributors did not refer to them? What are the views on them? Will they be ready for that rainy day when it comes?

Turning to the representatives from the Central Bank, interest rates have come down and there is a second opportunity for tracker customers. They will be the first to benefit from the ECB reductions. Will other mortgage holders soon get the benefit of the reduced rates?

Much of the focus was on infrastructure, in particular housing but also water and energy. In some places, the water infrastructure is in place, such as in smaller villages spread throughout the country, including the likes of Baile Bhuirne, Coachford and Inchigeelagh, communities where the infrastructure has been put in place and schools are there, yet smaller builders who might look to build 15 or 20 homes in those places tell us they are struggling to get access to funding. I heard what the witnesses said and it is at odds with what we are hearing locally, so I am trying to understand why such builders would be constrained and unable to get building in those areas and why they would tell us they are finding it difficult to get access to funding.