Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

While I am not familiar with the capital programme in respect of justice, I think it works exactly the same way in all Departments. What is essential is that the project has been given the go-ahead. There is always an amount of work to be done in terms of design, ground works, and so on. It is very clear from what the Minister is saying that if there is an opportunity for an earlier start date, that will be pursued. The Senator should keep that in mind, because there are certain projects which might be announced, but which would not be capable of going ahead. If this project were in a position to move more quickly than others, there is always the possibility of things moving faster. It happens in respect of schools and primary care centres, for instance. It is about being ready to take the opportunity. This is something that needs to be done and something that is worth doing.