Pat O'Neill (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Government Members will oppose this amendment. I understand Senator Barrett's sentiments in suggesting an independent investment appraisal of capital expenditure be published but I have the utmost confidence in the Minister and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. If CIE and the board want to invest in capital projects, the proposal passes through two Departments. A third body will lead to delays in important decisions on capital investment. I am not saying it would be incorrect but the independent body may decide that key investment should not be made. Where does that leave the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the board of CIE? Where does it go for a decision on whether the money should be spent? I have the utmost confidence and I do not agree with the amendment. The Departments will be heavily involved if there is major investment. I have utmost confidence that departmental officials will take everything into account before decisions are made to agree to capital expenditure proposals.