Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

The difficulty is that the physical conditions in the estates in question are probably worse as a consequence of the detenanting that has taken place. We do not want a situation where people must continue living in poor physical conditions and in circumstances where the hopes they had for the regeneration of their homes and neighbourhoods are entirely dashed. I hope arrangements will be put in place quickly to ensure these schemes proceed without delay.

Are we likely to hear other news about public partnership projects in conjunction with the same or other developers? For example, will the Finglas village project, in which I understand the same developer is involved, proceed as planned or will the plug be pulled on that also? I notice a proposal has been withdrawn from the Dáil Order Paper in respect of the building of the prison at Thornton Hall. I understand the same developer is the proposed builder of Thornton Hall prison. That proposal was to have been brought before the Dáil today and tomorrow for approval but I note it has been withdrawn. Is the developer proceeding with the Thornton Hall prison or has there been a change in that regard? Does yesterday's announcement regarding projects in Dublin city have implications for the developer's involvement with that project? More generally, what are the implications for the public private partnership method of providing social and public infrastructure? Yesterday's events will certainly dent the confidence of public authorities engaging with developers on projects of this kind if the plug is so easily pulled at the last minute.

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