Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Fine. If there is another view, that is fair enough. That is perhaps why we should await the outcome of these inquiries and wait for those who are competent in these areas to comment further. I am just giving the response to Deputy Gilmore's point. My understanding, subject to the outcome of the inquiries, is that this was not the critical issue in this case, although I am not seeking to raise a contention in this regard. This issue is a matter between the local authority, in the first instance, and others in the area, and that is where it is best dealt with.

The issue with which my Department had an involvement was in regard to ascertaining what arises from these current investigations. As I have said, I will inquire as to when they might reach finality so we can have a better idea and a further discussion thereafter.

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