Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 5, inclusive, together.

There was no meeting of the cross-departmental team during May. The team last met on 13 June. The items on the agenda were water supply, airports and ports. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government presented an overview and update of the water services investment programme. The Department of Transport gave presentations on State airports and the national seaport infrastructure. The team also noted progress in several areas including the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Bill, the roads programme and broadband. The team is scheduled to meet again on Thursday, 6 July.

The team's role is to assist in progressing and resolving issues related to infrastructure planning and delivery. Given the significance of the cross-departmental co-ordination in securing progress in this area, the team plays a valuable role in identifying appropriate issues to be addressed, and where necessary, in proposing possible solutions for consideration by the Cabinet committee and the Government. The lead responsibility remains with the relevant Minister and Department in respect of policy areas and individual infrastructural projects.

See this speech in context