Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 68: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the recent report by the ESRI and in particular the warnings from the ESRI that the Government should restrict capital spending over coming years to avoid overheating the construction sector and ensure maximum value for taxpayers money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39218/06]

Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 113: To ask the Minister for Finance his view of the priorities set out in the ESRI's evaluation of the fourth National Development Plan for investment; and the limits that should be set upon such investment. [39076/06]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 120: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the recently published ESRI report on the ex-ante priorities for the National Development Plan 2007 to 2013 and in particular the fact that the report recommends that the tax system should be used specifically to reduce private sector demand for output from the building sector allowing the public sector to buy the necessary infrastructure at reasonable cost. [39120/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 68, 113 and 120 together.

Following the precedent set in the preparation of previous National Development Plans, an ex-ante evaluation of investment priorities for the next NDP (2007-2013) was commissioned by my Department from the ESRI. The ESRI published its report on 24th October last.

As I stated in my comments at the time of the publication of the ESRI Report, I welcome the ESRI's conclusion that continuing substantial investment in our infrastructure is fully justified. I also welcome the ESRI assessment that previous National Development Plans have made an essential contribution to the transformation of the Irish economy and society over the last 15 years and that the current NDP has greatly enhanced the economic and social infrastructure of the State with major benefits to economic development throughout all regions.

The prioritisation given by the ESRI to investment in infrastructure accords with that of the Government. I have noted the concerns expressed by the ESRI on the level of such investment. The Government's programme in that regard over the period to 2013 will have to await the publication of the NDP on January next. I would, however, reiterate the view I expressed on the occasion of publication of the Report. In my view, we must use the window of opportunity we have over the short to medium term to deal with the serious infrastructure deficits we still face before other factors such as Health and Pensions arising from the aging population impact more strongly on resources over the longer term. I therefore believe that we should work to eliminate the infrastructure deficit as quickly as possible in order to improve quality of life and enhance competitiveness across the economy.

The Deputies can equally be assured that this Government, in deciding on the appropriate level of capital investment and in implementing its capital programme, will not endanger its record of prudent management of the economy and of the public finances.

I have noted the ESRI's comments in relation to taxation. As the Deputy will appreciate, taxation changes are a matter for the Budget.

Overall, Government consideration of the new Plan will be informed by the ESRI study and by the priorities identified in the widespread consultation process which the Government has undertaken, notably with the Social Partners and Regional Interests.