Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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It is very useful to hear some of the practical points, such as on co-ordination on the State side to enable the bodies to get on with what they are doing as opposed to spending a lot of time interacting with various State agencies, and on the availability of sites. In respect of the latter, it appears to me as though at the least there should be a national register of what is available and what can be brought into beneficial use as quickly as possible. Several witnesses have referred to the importance of regulation in respect of drawing upon international or institutional funds. I note it will take some time for this legislation to be enacted as it is only in its early stages. While I acknowledge it may not be the ideal situation for investors, is it still possible, under the voluntary code, to draw down some of the funds that might be available? All members are acutely aware of the country's level of indebtedness, the general Government deficit and the debt profile, which mean there is a limited capacity for Ireland to draw down funding on its balance sheet and obviously, the bodies are seeking opportunities off-balance sheet. It could be another year or 18 months before this legislation is enacted, as a couple of processes must be gone through before that stage is reached. Has operating under the voluntary code been an impediment, given that the witnesses are telling members it is?