Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

Yes. All the networks would have been constructed by now only for the many questions asked in Brussels by people who do not like the concept. The Commission, in turn, asked the Government many questions, which we answered. We received the all clear from Brussels from a state aid point of view but that took 12 months. The only stipulation laid down by the Commission regarding the second phase was that there would have to be a fresh tender for the management entity. When the new MANs come on stream, the Department will have to advertise and tender for a management services entity, which will be open to anybody to apply. I appreciate what the Deputies are striving to do in the amendments.

However, these sections and subsections are for specific purposes and are not simply for gathering particular information. For that reason, I will not accept the amendments.

See this speech in context