John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Let me refer to the circumstances that would obtain if we were just dealing in isolation with Government entities, such as local authorities dealing with the Minister's Department. People understand how Government works. In some cases, it works more slowly than one would like. In this case, we are dealing with investors who in some cases might have expected more clarity on the figures involved. I take the Minister's point on why he and his Department proceeded as they did, but some effort needs to be made in some cases to reassure the investors that what is coming down the line is real and that the figures bandied about and discussed, and expected in some cases, can be followed through on by the Department. Certainty is important at this point. It is necessary for the Department to relate the figures to the individuals and groups involved.