Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Ó Cearúil. In line with the commitments made in the programme for Government, I recently announced a series of actions to accelerate the delivery of strategic infrastructure in Ireland, including the creation of a new infrastructure division in my Department. Initially, the infrastructure division will focus on the preparation of a systematic, evidence-based assessment of the barriers impeding timely infrastructure development. To undertake this work, experts from key State agencies have already been redeployed to my Department and are working with civil servants on this task.

Over the coming weeks, the infrastructure division will engage with key stakeholders to gather the evidence necessary to identify the most critical barriers to development that might potentially cause delays. This will be combined with a consultation and public engagement in June to gather the broader views of stakeholders across our economy. The team will also examine what reforms have been successfully introduced in other jurisdictions that may be applicable in Ireland. I expect to provide a report to Government by the end of July on what have been identified as the most significant barriers that are slowing infrastructure development. The results of this analysis will inform a focused plan on high-impact reform measures that Government will consider for implementation.

On cost overruns, delivering value for money is central to my Department’s approach to infrastructure delivery and is achieved though clear frameworks and guidance. The infrastructure guidelines, the code of practice for the governance of State bodies and the public financial procedures clearly set out accountability and decision-making responsibilities. This guidance provided by my Department outlines clear established roles and responsibilities to mitigate against waste and improve value for money. The guidelines will also ensure value for money is embedded at every policy stage, which will ensure a transparent approach and the use of corrective mechanism where required.

My Department intends to fully review the public financial procedures. This review will help us to further strengthen and clarify our robust expenditure management framework and provide efficiencies in the delivery of infrastructure. Furthermore, it will set out clearly the roles and responsibilities of the various actors across the system in the delivery of value for money. Through strengthened governance, Departments are being reminded that spending decisions must consider quality, expertise, and long-term impact to avoid superficial or low-impact investments.

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