Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I am disappointed in the Minister's response because he did not indicate a sense of urgency in dealing with the problems that have arisen for the authority. Members were given assurances by the authority when it appeared before the Joint Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government that the budgets for its education development and social regenerations programmes would be maintained. However, it appears that the committee was misled because I have evidence to suggest that cuts are being made to the programmes as we speak.

Was the new chairman of the authority, for whom I have the utmost respect, given terms of reference or ministerial instructions on addressing the problems that have emerged? Does the Department intend to commission an independent valuation of the site given that it cannot rely on the authority to carry out an independent valuation?

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