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

Solas has not benefitted from anything in this. It has gone into liquidation. The whole purpose of Solas was to build the Picture Palace and to provide the additional art space in Galway city. It was not a profit making organisation. As members are aware, Lelia Doolan put a huge amount of time and effort into trying to make this project happen. There is no doubt that the project was fraught with difficulties, on the site and when they did some damage to an adjoining building. It was one thing after another. It cost more than had originally been anticipated but I still believe that, at the end of the day, it was better to work closely with the city council to ensure the necessary checks and balances were in place. The project was granted back in 2007 and things have changed somewhat since then in ensuring that projects are much more tightly administered and that good, clear plans are in place.