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

That is for new accommodation, and it is falling further. I agree with the Deputy and I am looking for better value for money.

Regarding the expert group, I want to get full control of this so that I can have a total assessment of what exactly we can do. The consultants are experts in the field and will be looking for the precise value for money the Deputy is seeking. I want to let them get on with their work. My officials met them again recently to emphasise the urgency involved. If we are renting particular accommodation for ten years, for example, there is no reason that we should be paying any more for that. These are questions we will be taking up with the suppliers and we will be seeking to ensure that we get that value for money.

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