Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

I agree with the Minister on this. A prerequisite for the four groups, which I understand are at the first tender stage, is that they are in a financial position to meet the Government's requirements in regard the private sector financing. Does the Minister agree there is a sort of nervousness, to put it mildly, among some of the tenderers in regard to the general financial position facing the Government, the evolution of the National Asset Management Agency and the fact the Government might have considerable financial burdens which could impact on this? There is certainly a sense of nervousness there.

Like Deputy O'Dowd, I believe the best proposal, or the best man or woman, should win. That is the best way for a competition to be run. Does the Minister agree there is a nervousness in regard to his commitment?

How much money will be spent in 2009 on bringing forward the proposal? At the beginning of the year, the Minister's officials told me approximately €80 million or €90 million would be spent? I understand the tenderers are spending up to €50 million. What is the Department's commitment in this financial year?

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