Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

One can always be assured of surprises in this House. I wish to raise two matters with the Minister for Finance. You were kind enough yesterday, a Cheann Comhairle, to allow a private notice question in respect of the imprisonment of five people from County Mayo deemed by the High Court to be in contempt of court. The Minister, in his response to questions yesterday, said he would consider in some circumstances the appointment of a mediator. He still has the authority to do that. Has the Minister for Finance had any communication from the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources about that matter, as three of the five men are up in court again this morning for a further decision in respect of obstruction and contempt of court?

The Minister for Finance is aware that this is a complex and serious matter and while we cannot interfere in any way with the High Court decision, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is in a position to appoint a mediator who might be able to bring about a resolution to this. Perhaps the Minister for Finance would inform the House as to whether he has any news on that.

My colleague, Deputy Jim O'Keeffe, has been highlighting what appears to be a sweetheart deal involving the Dublin Port Company and a consortium bidding for the national conference centre. Under the harbours Bill, can I take it from the Minister for Finance that the public procurement rules and the code of practice for governance of State bodies will be seen to be fully complied with in this matter? It is referred to in some media reports today and I would like an assurance that he will see to it that these rules, regulations and procedures are properly and fully complied with.

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