John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

These accounts are all to be noted. We have had our attention drawn to the two issues by the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Last week, as part of the work programme, we went to Howth to see the situation out there. A number of members examined the properties and heard from local business people. It was quite a shocking experience to listen to the story of properties being vacant for considerable periods of time and no plan either to develop or assist local businesses. There was also very little information on the background to what was happening regarding the leasing of these properties. I propose that we draw together the information we have and get the information about leasing. Would we ask the Office of the Chief State Solicitor about that or is it independent?