Mr. John O'Connor:

I will address the first part. I am not the best person to answer questions on inflation in the construction industry. The commission was of the view that it is of critical importance that vacant properties are brought back into use and that, even where a property has been provided for the first time, it is occupied and utilised quickly. The commission fully supports that view. The commission fully supported the grants for derelict or vacant properties and it would fully support the Deputy in increasing those grants in line with construction inflation. To make it work efficiently, resources must be provided by the local authorities to approve those grants. With regard to the stage payments proposal, commission members support that also to facilitate people. We need to bring vacant property back into use and reduce it as much as possible because they are available. We 100% support that. I welcome any other member who wishes to speak to construction inflation.