Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

90. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will detail the way in which the new accelerating infrastructure task force will address persistent delays and cost overruns in major public projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27773/25]

Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The new accelerating infrastructure task force is a welcome move to tackle delivery delays and cost overruns in major public projects such as the national children's hospital, MetroLink and thousands of social and affordable homes that are delayed or over budget. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council has noted that our infrastructure delivery is 25% below European norms. How will the task force overcome these systemic challenges and deliver projects on time and within budget?

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The appointment of 12 experts to the taskforce, including from the ESRI, the NTA and IDA Ireland, is encouraging. Its focus on high-impact reforms and boosting productivity is crucial. With construction productivity around 30% lower than our European peers and an estimated shortfall of 80,000 workers, delivery risks falling short, according to the CFI. Will the Minister outline which specific reforms the taskforce will prioritise? Will it be, for example, digital planning, modular construction, or streamlined approvals? Will the Minister consider private sector input into the taskforce to ensure we harness all available expertise? How will the Minister guarantee swift implementation and oversight of these reforms?

Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My next question will not be reached but it is related to this one as it concerns the efficient use of public moneys. I welcome the launch by the Department of guidelines on the responsible use in public services of artificial intelligence, AI. The Minister of State, Deputy Higgins, and the Minister both launched that document and I commend the Department on it. The use of AI can lead to greater efficiencies in decision-making and the use of predictive analytics is central to data-driven policy making. I am sure, in the context of what Deputy Ó Cearúil has talked about, rolling it out will benefit the delivery of better public services. In so doing, will the Minister also extend to Members of the Oireachtas the right to use large language models and other AI-enabled platforms on our devices so that we can more efficiently deliver our services to our constituents?

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank both Deputies. In response to Deputy Ó Cearúil, there will be significant private sector input into the work programme and the development of the reforms. We have six external experts on the accelerated infrastructure taskforce. That is to drive accountability and also an economy-wide engagement on how we can cut through unnecessary process delays and red tape which is impeding infrastructure delivery. As I said, I will have a report on that work by July. The outworking of that will be ensuring that we drive delivery and accountability around that over the period ahead.

In response to Deputy Byrne, I welcomed his involvement and presence at the launch of the use of AI in the public service guidelines. It is really important that we complement the use of AI in terms of the future of public services and delivering better services for citizens. As the Deputy knows, in the guidelines that we have issued, it is a matter for each competent authority to work with each individual on the responsible use of AI while also trying to encourage the use of AI across the public service. I am sure the Deputy can engage with the Houses of the Oireachtas on how it can develop mechanisms for the appropriate use of AI by Members of the Oireachtas if that is something he wants to advance.

Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is encouraging to hear about engagement with the private sector on the taskforce. With €165 billion committed under the national development plan, delivery must keep pace with ambition. How will the taskforce work with industry to close workforce gaps and improve productivity, to which Deputy Byrne also alluded? Would the Minister consider establishing dedicated delivery units within agencies to ensure a focused, agile approach? Finally, KPMG has highlighted the need for balanced regional investment. How will the Minister ensure that areas like Kildare North are not left behind while much of the focus remains on Dublin? We need delivery timelines that work for every region.

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

When one looks at the national planning framework and the strategic objectives that are set out there, balanced regional development is central. As part of the overall review of the national development plan, we are looking at critical, growth-enabling infrastructure priorities around the country and how we disburse the capital allocations. That will be really important in the separate work of the review of the national development plan but clearly, the outworking of the reforms we are advancing is to ensure delivery but also to empower agents to accelerate their respective projects where the pipeline has been too elongated and complex over the last number of years. What we are trying to do is have a cross-cutting reform to support the delivery of many of the projects that the Deputy referenced.