Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

The House might give some thought to it. Other countries seem to be able to ensure significant projects are devised in a way that results in successful tenderers coming from their own locales. The Minister of State, Deputy Hayes, might usefully address the House on the matter.

I fundamentally agree with what Senator Sheahan said about public private partnerships. Senator Barrett said he is not enamoured by the notion of public private partnerships. I used to be strongly opposed to them, but I am now a sceptical supporter of them. I support them because we have no other option when we are looking for money. We need them. The value for money issue must be borne in mind. We cannot be mugged on them, to be blunt. We need to make haste slowly. If there is a clear business case, if it makes sense and if it represents value for money, it could be a way of getting capital. I am very taken by Senator Barrett's clear and important announcement that capital is not free. There is a notion that we can go ahead with everything. There is a cost to it.

Senator Barrett's contribution is worthy of mention. Vigorous appraisal is an important part of everything we do. We started to deal with the general budgetary preparations this year in a way that no other Government has done. We set out the comprehensive review of expenditure. We have had a series of announcements. The medium-term fiscal plan was published by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan earlier this month. The capital plan we are debating now was published on 10 November last. That was followed by the reform agenda, which is a meaty programme. Some people can be dismissive of it. I hope that does not happen. I am reminded of the original point I made, which is that we are collectively in the general business of making things better.