Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have a capital carry-forward this year of over €800 million. That gives us some extra resources to ensure the delivery of the NDP this year. I have acknowledged that if the current level of inflation in construction persists for a long period, it will impact on the number of projects in the NDP that are delivered. We have seen some signs in respect of individual tender competitions of limited interest in the private sector. I think that is because of the significant risk they have to carry regarding fixed-price contracts under the standard public works contract. It is about finding a balance between protecting the interests of the State and taxpayers on one hand and, on the other hand, ensuring that it is a viable and attractive proposition for contractors to partner with us in the delivery of the national development plan. I have examined this issue in considerable detail in recent weeks. Building on the changes we made earlier in the year, I intend to introduce proposals to address this issue, at least in part.

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