Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)

I thank the Acting Chairman for the opportunity to discuss this matter. I have no wish to be disparaging towards the Minister of State but it is disappointing the Minister responsible is not present to address this matter. I was appalled to read the recent report from the Comptroller and Auditor General which identified the shortcomings of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, its financial management, its planning functions and the management of the business of the board. It was appalling to read of the lies those involved told the Department. The authority bought a site for €431 million in the knowledge that its value was €220 million and without any analysis of the benefits or costs of the site. There was no regard for other issues relating to certain planning decisions they made. Two members of the board of the DDDA were directors of Anglo Irish Bank and another was a director of the Bank of Ireland.

A parliamentary question asked of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, as he was known then, requesting his views on any conflict of interest which would inhibit the Dublin Docklands Development Authority from making balanced planning decisions in the docklands area. The question was put by Tony Gregory to the then Minister, Dick Roche, on 4 November 2004. What could have been avoided had the matter been dealt with then? Part of the answer stated: "It is difficult in a relatively small city to select people with the talent and the time and who are willing to give service to the public through these boards." We know the type of service they have given to this city and country. That is not to take from the current chairperson and the work she has been doing.

The involvement of communities is important. I was born in and I continue to live in one of the docklands communities, like Deputy Kevin Humphreys, although we are on opposite sides of the Liffey. There have been problematic relations with the communities but there have been positive relations with the communities as well. I hope and call for the residents and the communities to be involved, consulted and included in any replacement structures. Will anything happen to the people who told such blatant lies? I hope the idea of winding down the DDDA will not allow them off the hook.

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