Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 to 13, inclusive, together.

The interdepartmental team on housing, infrastructure and PPPs has met eight times this year and is scheduled to meet again on Wednesday, 9 November. The team generally meets on a monthly basis and is scheduled to have one more meeting in the remainder of 2005. While the agenda for the November meeting has yet to be finalised, it will include updates on wider energy policy issues and on the national spatial strategy gateways study.

As Deputies are aware, the team monitors progress and reviews priorities under the various NDP infrastructure headings. It looks at options to secure better value for money outcomes and assesses the scope for the speedier delivery of outputs. The team produces an annual report which is laid before the House. This report provides an overview of progress during the previous year within the main policy frameworks and in the physical delivery of projects.

As I have told the House previously, the team serves a valuable role in progressing and resolving issues related to infrastructure planning and delivery and will continue to make an important contribution.

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