Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

-----which prevailed then but has been addressed since. Clearly, current laws are tighter on this issue. It is appalling, as others have said, that residents are faced with this potential liability. Matters have moved on. There are some reports that the Dublin Docklands Development Authority has paid €1 million for fire alarm remedial works, and some money has been paid out, apparently. I will follow up on the requests by colleagues for a Minister to come here to debate the issue. I ask that colleagues consider tabling it as a Commencement matter, seeking an update, if possible, on the situation from the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, although clearly the matter is not within his purview. The situation has moved on and we all very much hope it will be resolved in favour of the residents.

The second point made by Senator Daly was a lecture on financial prudence, which is somewhat hard to take from a member of the Fianna Fáil party. I remind him that we had pre-budget statements for two hours yesterday with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, and the Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Simon Harris. Senator Daly could have raised his issues about the deficit during that debate. I also remind him that the deficit that this Government faced coming into office as a result of the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats and Fianna Fáil-Green Party Governments was €25 billion, and that figure has now been reduced by 80%. There is a lesson to be learned from that fact.

Senator Daly also raised the issue of NAMA. His remarks were directed more at Senator Paul Coghlan than at myself. I remind Senator Daly that officials from NAMA are attending a meeting of the Committee of Public Accounts today. We all have serious questions about the matters that have come to light with regard to the sale of assets in Northern Ireland. Undoubtedly, there will be more clarity as a result of today's meeting of the Committee of Public Accounts.

Senator O'Keeffe paid tribute to Senator Jimmy Harte. As I said yesterday, I know how much the Harte family greatly appreciate the sentiments and tributes that have been expressed in this House on the retirement of Senator Harte. I ask any colleague who wishes to sign a card for him, which will be from all of us and from across the House, to contact me. Senator O'Keeffe also welcomed the capital plan and the Building on Recovery programme. Over the week, many of us in this House have welcomed various aspects of the plan. I thank her for noting, in particular, the money that has been allocated for the development of a Blueway programme in Leitrim, which has strong potential as a tourism amenity. As she has said, the measures put forward in the plan are very welcome. It would be hard for anyone to oppose them. They are sensible and important infrastructural projects. There is no Bertie Bowl or mad scheme proposed. It is important to state that the capital development plan is sensible and prudent.