Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

It is difficult to digest all the figures provided. With only €192 million of the Department's annual capital budget expended so far, does the Minister expect the entire amount to be spent by the end of the year? Will all the promised projects be completed, particularly in respect of cultural institutions? I am anxious that capital expenditure is maintained this year and next year because every year it appears that part of the annual allocation is pushed into the following year's allocation. While this gives the appearance that substantial sums are being expended, only a fraction of the annual allocation is spent.

As the Minister will agree, maintaining current levels of capital expenditure is particularly important for economic reasons, notably, to support employment in the construction industry and avail of the excess capacity and cheaper prices which will be available in the sector. The primary reason for maintaining capital expenditure is to ensure we invest in the cultural institutions to support the arts and tourism.

I am particularly concerned that we are falling behind in the area of cultural institutions, many of which are at risk. The National Library's book collection is being held in what is effectively a fire hazard. The National Archives is located in a biscuit factory, while the museum artefacts in the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the National Museum are at risk of being lost or destroyed as a result of the failure to spend the funds allocated. Will the Minister give an assurance that capital expenditure will be spent and building projects will proceed, particularly in the case of our cultural institutions where the works are badly needed to maintain and preserve what we have as opposed to expand or improve facilities?

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