Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

We know these contracts should be renegotiated now. Would the Minister consider, while in discussion with his officials, effectively setting his own maximum rent control on prefabricated units? I understand he has the power to do this. There are 26 suppliers and the Minister ultimately has to pay the bill. I believe efficiencies can be achieved here; money can be saved and used for more useful purposes within the Department.

Will the Minister inform the House to whom the consultancy contract was given and how much it will cost the Department this year? Is it not the case that this work could have been done within the Department or alternatively between the Department and the OPW, which has particular knowledge and expertise in this area?

See this speech in context