Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

It is part of the agency but involves an extension of the powers of the NDFA. Until now, the NDFA was able to give advice on the financing of the project, including relevant issues such as how best to finance it and the timescales involved. Now it will have a role in procurement. In some cases it has expertise but in others it will be able to bring in expertise and source the best place to do so. This is being done on some of the PPP projects the Deputy and I would know best, including the redevelopment of rundown areas, such as Fatima Mansions, O'Devaney Gardens and other places. Compared to the other system, the timing of this one has been quite focused and very beneficial.

Deputies will be aware that the Minister has published the major infrastructural Bill, which will bring about greater efficiency in the consent process for major infrastructural projects in addition to providing a better service for stakeholders through a single agency.

As regards Deputy Connaughton's question on affordable housing, very good progress is being made in that regard. To date, over 70 projects are planned on State and local authority lands. Together with the projected 2,500 houses under Part 5 of the Planning and Development Act, the total projected delivery under the initiative is over 10,000 housing units.

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