Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I made it clear that there are ample procedures within the public administration of this State for the cost-benefit analysis of many different projects. For example, for educational investment at primary or second level, the specifications for buildings of that type have been established by long tradition. With regard to cost-benefit analysis, as Deputies from all sides of the House know, the demand for particular schools becomes visible, and then with regard to the actual cost of the project, tenders are invited and a proper procedure is followed. There may be some projects of a wider character, to which I assume Deputy Bruton was referring in our recent discussion on the subject, on whose cost-benefit analyses he believes he does not have adequate information. I made it clear that if there was such information I would of course make it available. It is important that we have a detailed consideration of the costs and benefits of any project in which taxpayers' money is an issue. However, I emphasise that the projects within the capital development plans of the Government, or of any government, are subject to rigorous cost-benefit analysis within the public administration.

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