Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I join other Senators, particularly Senator Butler, regarding the role of public private partnerships, PPPs, in housing projects. During the debate, which I hope the Leader will arrange soon, I will stress the point that the process did not collapse because the apartment standards were changed. The change may have been a contributory factor, but greater factors were at play, many of which fall within the remit of the Government. They must be addressed, particularly given the further housing and infrastructure valued at €12 billion to be delivered under PPPs. Even if the change in design standards played a role in placing the process under pressure, we must apply the new energy conservation and housing quality standards to new housing, even in respect of people who are in desperate need. There is no point in delivering new housing only to discover that it does not meet the targets applied to everyone else.