Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

——to examine what could and could not be achieved. I confirmed to Deputy Quinn this afternoon that I have made much progress regarding what has been spent and what we will be capable of in September. I must wait to see what the Government decision is on overall spending for the rest of 2008 before I can make a complete decision on what can and cannot go ahead. I have indicated this afternoon that I believe I will be in a position to make some announcements in September on a building programme for the latter part of 2008 and into 2009.

At a time when our finances have taken a downturn it is important that we be as innovative as possible. I want to make it clear to the Opposition and everyone else that if people have innovative ideas, I will listen to them.

Regarding Deputy Burke's point, we must always remember that the Secretary General of the Department will always be answerable to the Comptroller and Auditor General. In taking on board any particular scheme, one has to have regard to the borrowing power of the Department — the level at which it can borrow. It is obvious that no charge can be more than the long-term cost of the borrowing to the Department. We will have to have a serious look at how competitive is the offer mentioned by the Deputy. It is obvious that if it is competitive, we will be happy to take it on board.

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