Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I wish to raise three matters. The Minister for Finance will want accurate information to be given to the House on every issue. This morning on Leaders' Questions, he indicated it was not up to him to sanction money to the HSE for projects. However, in response to a parliamentary question on 27 September 2006, the Minister for Health and Children stated:

The HSE's proposed ICT investment plans for 2006 are the subject of ongoing discussions between the HSE, the Department of Finance and my Department. No formal sanction for 2006 investment has issued as yet.

The Minister for Finance is therefore incorrect. He made the point that Seán Hurley has been given responsibility for implementing the ICT projects on behalf of the HSE. Mr. Hurley retired from his role as acting director in June of this year and no replacement has been made since.

Will the Minister state whether agreement has been reached on holding a debate on Aer Lingus next week? Yesterday the Taoiseach stated there were a number of obstacles, perhaps legal obstacles, in the way of doing so. Have they been cleared yet?

Will the Minister state when the sale of alcohol Bill is expected to be published?

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