John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

Whether Mr. Furlong remains as chairman of the steering group will hinge on circumstances which have yet to unfold. It is not possible to say at this point what will be the case. I hope he will be in a position to continue as chairperson because, as Deputy Wall stated, he is a man of considerable experience. He was also successfully involved in the national conference centre.

Mr. Furlong retires today after a distinguished life in public service that began in 1961, when he joined the Civil Service as an executive officer, rising to Assistant Secretary General of the Department of Finance and Secretary General at the Department of Arts, Gaeltacht, Heritage and the Islands and Secretary General of the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism. On this auspicious occasion, I wish to record the outstanding achievement of Mr. Furlong. He was an outstanding civil servant and a man whose commitment, experience and knowledge is acknowledged throughout the public service.

Regarding the National Concert Hall, I cannot give an exact timeframe to Deputy Furlong——

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