Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have to take issue with being lectured by Fianna Fáil now on what we should be doing. I do not want to be overly political on this issue because we should be trying to achieve consensus on it. I invite my friends opposite who have told us that actions speak louder than words to come to west Cork to see how €50 million is being spent on three significant flood schemes in that area. The schemes in the towns of Skibbereen and Bandon are in progress and the scheme in my home town of Clonakilty will start in January. All Deputies are welcome to come to west Cork to see the progress that is being made. While I would be the first to acknowledge that the last Government did not get everything right, I think it should be given credit where it is due in this instance. It did a great deal on the issue of flooding to help the people of west Cork at a time when money was very scarce.

I have to take issue with the approach of previous Fianna Fáil Administrations with regard to underspends in capital expenditure, which was "if we have got it, spend it". It is crazy to think that money should be spent just because it is there. I have railed against the system in many Departments that means money is lost if it is not used. Money has to be spent prudently and in a planned manner. What particular elements of these schemes should be cut out? Do we cut out the consultation with the public or the environmental impact assessment? I accept that it can be painful when these schemes take so much time. I know all about it. I have helped with the progress of three schemes in the last five years. Thankfully, they have come to fruition. While I understand the frustration that has been expressed with regard to delays, I caution against the urge to spend money for the sake of it.

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