Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

I welcome the announcement. I am sure the Minister will agree that the existence of a national conference centre would add approximately €60 million to the Irish economy and create and support approximately 3,000 jobs. Will he be more specific regarding the provisional preferred tenderer? Might it transpire that negotiations will break down between the Government and the provisional preferred tenderer such that the latter might not be accepted by the Government? Will the Minister confirm that the tenderer has complied with all the procurement guidelines? Is there a question of any guideline not being adhered to? If the provisional preferred tenderer becomes the preferred or accepted tenderer, what timeframe does the Minister envisage before the start-up of this important facility for the country?

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