Liam Fitzgerald (Fianna Fail)

—as well as to eliminate substandard accommodation. That determination is unflinching and I can give that commitment to the House.

Notwithstanding that, it is acknowledged that there will be a slowdown in the rate of expansion of the building and refurbishment programmes over the coming year. We do not deny it. At the same time, the need for the refurbishment of existing accommodation is growing and we also acknowledge that. We do not deny the existence of lists in this regard.

As for transparency, I hope I have the opportunity to outline the many initiatives taken by the Minister, the Minister of State and the Department to transform the culture which has been pervasive for decades and for which the party of the Senators opposite was equally culpable when in Government