Mr. Alan Gray:

Thank you, Deputy. I think the relationship of the Indecon research economists with the central ... with the Department of Finance or with the Taoiseach’s Department, or any other Government Department, would be seen very much as an independent view on issues and I often say to some of my economists that if someone is looking for a view rubber-stamped they will certainly not ask Indecon for our view.

I have heard, Deputy, about lots of major consultancy and, you know, advisory and research work being given to different practices for particular reasons, but not through public tender, but that has never occurred in Indecon's case.