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

I thank the Deputy. I certainly will. It is an important part of our ongoing work. It is true to say that so far this year we have a significant underspend in capital. I think that will continue to year-end although it is difficult to predict what the precise amount will be. We will certainly have a substantial carry-forward of unspent capital this year into 2023. I am working very closely with colleagues to make sure that we streamline the process as best we can. There is a balance to be struck between having an assurance process and absolute compliance with public spending code rules, which we must do, and ensuring that projects continue to move forward and actually get done. The whole purpose of providing €12 billion next year is to get a lot of work done in our country that must be done in terms of building more homes, building schools, improving our healthcare infrastructure, and improving our public transport and road infrastructure to name a few. It is a great opportunity to get projects completed given the scale of funding that is now available under the national development plan.

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