David Norris (Independent)

Why did we not have the gumption to exploit these opportunities ourselves?

Affordable housing was vaunted by the Government. It sold out and let property builders and speculators weasel their way around it. It contributes to house inflation which is significant. It is a terrible situation that so few young people are able to buy a house. The Minister of State knows this is true because we know the Government has not lived up to its affordable housing commitments.

Regarding wastage in road contracts, one contractor expended €50,000 on machinery and manpower during the construction of a small section of a road but charged the Government €3 million for it. It had to do with a steamroller. I put it on the record of the House some time ago. Where was the prudent stewardship there? Where do they look after and guard the interest of the taxpayer?

A number of years ago, I raised the issue of the confusion and mess at the West Link toll bridge on the M50. Everybody, even the Minister of State must agree that was a lousy contract.