Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for the information, most of which I did not seek. Will the Minister concede that this almost mythical report has been in construction for far too long and that he is using the delay as a comfort blanket? Does he agree the absence of the report is being used as an excuse for inaction? Does the Minister also agree that rather than wasting time and waiting for Indecon to come up with the goods, he would be better arguing more forcibly for a better slice of Exchequer funds for his Department, considering Exchequer funds are €1.5 billion more than the Government anticipated? Does the Minister not realise that local authorities are under-funded? Does he realise that a 6% rise in local government funding will not be enough to help councils meet all their commitments? Will the Minister inform the House how much money was collected nationally in development charges in 2004? Does he support the imposition of development charges of up to €7,000, €8,000 and even €10,000, on people trying to build their houses?

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