Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister. I acknowledge that he addressed the last portion of my question, namely, the per cent for good causes and prizes in the retailers' margin, but the essence of my question was different. When Fine Gael and Labour were last in government, one of their last actions was to issue the second mobile telephone licence. We all know that substantial issues were raised about the then Government's handling of that process. What measures will the Minister put in place to ensure something similar does not apply in this instance? I do not want to revisit the mobile telephone issue, as we all know what was involved.

The Minister stated that the bidding process will commence in October. Will he explain which external consultants will be employed to carry it out, how will it be done and will the lobbyist Bill be published prior to a final decision? In the interests of ensuring the integrity of the process, will the Government ensure that people tendering for it or those working on their behalf will not have access to Ministers through the front door, back door or pub door, whichever the case may be? Will the Minister reassure the House to this effect?

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