Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, I wish to clarify that there is absolutely nothing to hide here. This is a normal process. I wish to be clear about this. The onus on ensuring compliance with the public spending code as published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform lies, in the first instance, with the project promoter. That, of course, is Mayo County Council. It must ensure compliance with the public spending code, end of story. Under the provisions of the code, a cost-benefit analysis is required for projects with a total cost of €20 million or more.

Given the financial parameters involved, a requirement for such an analysis did not arise for the Mary Robinson centre. My Department will ensure it is satisfied that the project is in compliance with the relevant requirements of the code before releasing any funding to Mayo County Council. There are checks and balances within my Department. All the funding has to be in place and we must be satisfied that everything is lined up before we pay out any money, and money has not been paid out on this project. Approval in principle was given to progress the project.

The application under section 1003 fully fitted the criteria.