Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

That is good because it is important that people take the opportunity to hear what is going on in the Dáil. It is a pity that, because of the nature of the business of Dáil Deputies, there are not a great number of us present but people are working in their offices. It is good that young people in particular see the operation of the Dáil and the great work that is done.

I am sensitive to the fact I am surrounded by people who are experts so far as this business is concerned. I acknowledge, as is traditional on these occasions, the work of Deputies Burton and Bruton. That I am supporting the Government amendment does not mean I do not appreciate their efforts. Deputy Curran set out the stall very well and has made a fine contribution, as I would expect from a colleague who is a member of the Committee of Public Accounts. I will be followed by the chairman of the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service. They are the experts. As my colleagues opposite know there is not much I could say about Tallaght, Firhouse, Templeogue, Greenhills and Brittas on this motion but it is important business and it is important to deal with these issues and show the public there is confidence in the system.

I listened carefully to my colleague, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, last night and to the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, as they set out the Government's position and defended it as they saw it. It is important for them to do that. We are all entitled to our politics and to make our political points but at the same time it is important that the public maintain confidence in the system. Since Deputy Cowen became Minister for Finance he has grasped the problems presented to him. He sees the need to give good value for money so far as projects are concerned. It is important to stress to him on a regular basis the need for transparency in contracts. There is no question but that we should continue to do that. The work of the central expenditure evaluation unit should be applauded. I ask the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, Deputy de Valera, to convey to the Minister that there is much support in the House, on all sides, for this unit. The Minister made the point that it has a key role in promoting best practice in regard to appraisal and evaluation generally and in ensuring compliance by Departments and agencies with the capital appraisal guidelines and other requirements under the enhanced value for money framework which the Minister has put in place. It is important to note that the unit will review the annual reports from the Departments to the Department of Finance in regard to compliance with capital appraisal and value for money requirements. The objective is that deficiencies in Departments and agencies with regard to project management and value for money are identified and generally to facilitate more systematic engagement between the Departments and agencies to take any necessary corrective action.

As colleagues are aware, I do not get out of Tallaght that much but I often travel into town on the nice new Luas. I also use the roads and every now and again I travel down the country. It is important to recognise the progress made under the remit of the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, in road development. Deputy Curran said there have been many improvements in the manner in which contracts are delivered and it is important to acknowledge that. As I travel around the country, though not as much as other Members, I am aware of the improvements and, clearly, value for money projects are being delivered. That is something we should applaud. I am glad to have had the opportunity to contribute to the debate and I am happy to concede to my colleague, Deputy Fleming.

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