Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Let us acknowledge that the overall plan involves a total quantum of over €40 billion. Approximately €27 billion is to be made available via Exchequer investment, while the rest is to be made available through various investment plans involving the commercial semi-State bodies. The Deputy is correct that the Government is examining how this figure can be increased, but it is part of a very large investment programme in the first place. The effect of the programme, to be implemented over time, would be to bring our investment, as a percentage of national income and capital, into line with that in other European countries and the investment we need to meet the needs of a growing economy and society.

On the Deputy’s point about the timing of the review of the capital plan, the review has been pencilled in to take place in 2017. However, I take on board his point about how that could be done in such a way as to result in greater confidence in future spending decisions.

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