Mr. Maurice Mullen:

Obviously, I regret the statements the Deputy has made. I do not agree with him. I assure the committee the points made today will be taken in good faith and will be dealt with as fairly and in as best informed a manner as I can. As the Department prepares policy papers for the Minister, we will take on board all the views expressed today. I assure the committee I will take its intentions in good faith which are the same as mine – to save lives.

I indicated at the beginning of the meeting that we are continuing to examine the situation with regard to Valentia. Throughout the process, I have made it very clear that we are not at a point where we are making recommendations. We are still doing the digging in assessing and preparing a response. We know it is not all about economics but a complex situation with long histories and concerns. We are also facing difficulties like other arms of the public service to which we must find solutions. We will give the position the best consideration, however.