Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

I am anxious that we would give as much information as is possible. Decisions of the Western Development Commission on any amounts up to €1 million are separate from me. It is also important that the Deputy is made aware that the group in question applied for dormant accounts funding. This was initially recommended by Pobal. It came to the committee I chair which believed there were issues under the relevant Act. The matter was reviewed and it was decided not to give funding under the dormant accounts fund. I can make those papers available to the Deputy so that he has the full picture.

I have treated this matter at arm's length. I will not deny people approached me about the building. It is also a fact that I pushed the matter to the right place because, as Minister, I have no function in property acquisition whatsoever. The Office of Public Works decision to examine the suitability of the Kiltimagh building is its own and not mine.

My concern is to proceed with the full decentralisation of my Department to east County Mayo. Until this issue was raised, and which now has to be resolved, I was happy with the progress made with the Charlestown site. The original site was to be at Knock Airport. Except for an unusual decision by An Bord Pleanála the offices would be there today. My focus is in getting a permanent headquarters for my Department. Until recently, the site at Charlestown was the only one in play. This other building at Kiltimagh has come into play. It raises all sorts of issues, which have been legitimately raised by Deputy Ring. These will all have to be taken into account but only if the Office of Public Works were to consider the Kiltimagh building suitable.

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