Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)

I wish to raise the matter of the consultancy fees for feasibility studies that have been commissioned by the Government. Yesterday, following a meeting with the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, in Donegal, it came to light that many projects will not be implemented over the next two or three years. As everyone is aware, new feasibility studies will have to be commissioned after that period. A debate is needed on the issues of value for money and the basis on which projects are selected. Government expenditure must become more efficient because a great deal of money is being wasted.