Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

The Minister indicated in the supplementary budget that this was something he was hoping to develop. It would seem that some six weeks later little progress has been made because he is still referring to frameworks, he is unable to specify anything and he says everything is premature. Does the Minister believe this is a genuine starter? Does he believe this will be off balance sheet such that it will not form part of our borrowing requirement? Has the Minister identified the nature of the projects under consideration? Will it include school building, hospital building or roads? Will there be a requirement for a matching revenue stream? Will leases be entered into by the State to honour it? The House requires a little more elaboration because the Minister indicated a commitment to this during the budget speech. However, a considerable amount of time has passed and meetings have taken place. We must learn a little more of the detail.

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