The first round, sorry.

I will just follow the list for the moment. The Deputy's turn is coming up. I beg pardon for interrupting. We will move to the Independent Group. I call Deputies Harkin and Pringle.

My question concerns the Office of Public Works and the spending review carried out in 2018, Analysis of OPW Spending on State Rents. It is a matter in which I have a particular interest. What further analysis and research has been carried out on the conclusions and recommendations of the report?

I would appreciate it if the Minister of State could give a more precise date of publication because this review was carried out in 2018, over two years ago. It was very specific. I have the utmost respect for the OPW which does a tremendous job. It has a portfolio of over 2,000 buildings, divided between Garda stations, heritage sites, offices for rent and storage spaces. There is always room for improvement, however. Some of the weaknesses highlighted were from its own internal review at the time. One was the lac…

I know the Minister of State is new to the job and I do not mean to put him in a spot. However, the purpose of these reports is to ensure continuity, regardless of who is in government or how long they are in power. The spending review in question was undertaken specifically to look at the OPW and its whole portfolio of rented properties. I am personally in favour of acquiring or constructing buildings. It makes no sense that we are paying out nearly €100 million per year in rents. The Government and the OPW should…

I agree with Deputy Shanahan's comments on procurement. That process was introduced, ostensibly, to make the position fairer and to ensure fair competition. From my limited experience of four years on the Committee of Public Accounts, however, it seems that there are serious problems in the way the process operates to the disadvantage of businesses in Galway and other areas. It certainly must be looked at. I understand that it was being examined, although I forget which Department was involved. It would be great if…

That is good to know. The sum involved is €2 billion and liability to the State is to be capped at €1.6 billion. I will not get into the detail, particularly as it has been mentioned by many speakers before me. We do not know the interest rate. We have been told it is expected to be low and the rate will be reduced because the cap on the portfolio is gone. The Government seems to be anticipating this but there is no guarantee at all that the interest rate will go down. We have all received letters from the bus and …

The previous one was circulated.

I thank Deputy Funchion and Sinn Féin for tabling this motion and allowing us the opportunity to put the spotlight on childcare again. I congratulate the Minister and Minister of State on their appointments and I wish them the best of luck. The Minister referred to this sector as "chaotic, inefficient and an indictment on our country", particularly in that it forces parents to pay the money and it is disproportionate to women. The Minister of State can correct me if I am wrong but I understand from the Green Party …

Amendments Nos. 1 and 11 to 16, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together. I call Deputy Naughten.

The Minister to respond.

The Minister comes in first and then Deputy Whitmore, but we will let Deputy Whitmore in if she wants to come in at this point.

Which amendment is being moved? At this point we are dealing with Deputy Naughten's amendment.

I wish to clarify something for Deputies Naughten and Whitmore and myself. We are discussing section 2 and are dealing with amendments Nos. 1 and 11 to 16, inclusive. This is the Deputies' chance to speak on amendment Nos. 1 and 11 to 16, inclusive.

We are discussing amendment Nos. 1 and 11 to 16, inclusive. The Deputy can speak on any of those amendments.

I remind Deputies there are two more speakers and that after an hour and a half, the debate must conclude. I am trying to share the time because there are a number of amendments.

I am not sure what amendment the Deputy is referring to. We are discussing amendment No. 1 to section 2.

Let the Minister continue. I will let Deputy Naughten back in.

Let the Minister finish.

Amendments Nos. 2 and 3 are related and may be discussed together by agreement.