Shane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the gentlemen from Bord na gCon. I wish to start by reflecting on some of the evidence which we heard at the last meeting and comments from Dr. Brady in respect of the importance he placed on vacant possession in the matter of the disposal of the stadium at Harold's Cross. Obviously, that was motivating factor when it came to the manner in which he moved in the Valentine's swoop. I wish to examine a number of areas in this respect. On the manner in which it was conducted, given the importance that Dr. Brady has placed on vacant possession from the point of view of the banks and disposal, was there any part of the IGB's debt written off by the banks as a sweetener to ensure it would get vacant possession of the stadium at Harold's Cross? Was Dr. Brady motivated to act in the heavy-handed manner in which he did? He admitted here the previous day that he was wrong to do so and that he would revisit the decision if he could. It is obviously causing a lot of agony. It is also the central motivating point in respect of this dispute. If there was a write-off, is that now in jeopardy because of the stand-off? As has been confirmed in the letter from the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Skills, no moneys have passed into the accounts of the IGB at this point. Obviously then, no money has been passed on to the banks in respect of paying the debt. Will Dr. Brady begin on that point please?