Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

In November 2011 the National Pensions Reserve Fund announced a commitment of €250 million to a new Irish infrastructure investment fund, which is seeking up to €1 billion from institutional investors in Ireland and overseas. It will invest in infrastructural assets here in Ireland, including assets being disposed of by the Government and commercial State assets.

There is also an opportunity, of which the Deputy may not be aware, through the European Investment Bank. Talks proceed in terms of leveraging additional support, which is one of the key issues the Taoiseach raised in the course of his recent discussions at a Council meeting. Obviously, if funds can be leveraged for investment in infrastructure and other purposes via the European Investment Bank, that would be another useful step.

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