Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
519. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the policy rationale for proposals to bypass ministerial involvement in the approval of major infrastructure projects; whether he accepts that these proposals represent a reduction in direct ministerial accountability to the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11927/26]
View answer520. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the way in which the proposed removal or reduction of ministerial decision-making roles in major infrastructure approvals is reconciled with the constitutional principle of ministerial responsibility to Dáil Éireann; and if he will outline the legal basis for this approach. [11928/26]
View answer522. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the person that will bear political and administrative responsibility where a major infrastructure project approved under the proposed streamlined arrangements is delayed, over budget, or fails to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11930/26]
View answer523. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the mechanisms will remain in place to ensure democratic oversight, transparency, and parliamentary scrutiny of major infrastructure projects where ministerial involvement in approvals is reduced or removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11931/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 519, 520, 522 and 523 together.
My Department is responsible for the Infrastructure Guidelines, which replaced the Public Spending Code for capital appraisal since end 2023. These set the value for money requirements and guidance for evaluating, planning and managing Exchequer-funded capital projects. Management and delivery of investment projects and public services within allocation and the national frameworks, including the Infrastructure Guidelines and Public Financial Procedures, is a key responsibility of every Department, Accounting Officer and Minister.
As per the Ministers and Secretaries Act, every Minister is the responsible head of the Department or Departments under his/her charge and shall be individually responsible to Dáil Eireann alone for the administration of the Department or Departments of which he/she is the head.
With regard to major infrastructure projects, Ministers are required to bring a Memorandum for Government seeking consent to approve the proposal at both Preliminary Business Case (Approval Gate 1) and Final Business Case Stage prior to the awarding of a contract (Approval Gate 3). Prior to seeking this consent, Ministers must be satisfied that the proposed project is sufficiently developed and represents value for money.
The change to the approval process for capital projects enacted as part of Action 23 under the Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan solely removes the requirements for Ministerial approval at Approval Gate 2 of the Project lifecycle, which allows the project to enter main procurement tendering.
This change was informed by the work undertaken by officials in the Infrastructure Division of this Department throughout 2025, and the extensive consultation undertaken, which identified this area as one that was potentially causing unnecessary delays. From engagement with experts in the Major Projects Advisory Group, relevant Departments and key agencies, the approval of the preliminary business case stage (approval gate 1) and the final contract awards (approval gate 3) are the key points where Ministerial consent is most critical and where additional expenditure is likely to occur post approval. The approval to enter the main procurement process at approval gate 2 is a technical stage in the project lifecycle and does not require the same ministerial level consent once the project is in line with the approach set out in the preliminary business case.
These changes to the Infrastructure Guidelines and other recommendations within the Action Plan including introducing administrative guidance on timelines for Preliminary Business Case preparation (3–6 months) and mandating a maximum length will be included within the overall public financial management and control framework to be established as part of the current review of Public Financial Procedures (PFPs).
As with previous updates to the appraisal framework, any changes made will reflect international best practice with the aim to ensure accountability in regard to public expenditure management and value for money for the tax payer in delivering on the infrastructural requirements of the State.
