Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

There is no precedent which would prevent the scheme, once it is up and running, being debated by the committee. There is no lack of clarity on my part or that of the Minister, Deputy Bruton, in respect of that matter. The Bill before the House is enabling legislation and the scheme is the subject of a procurement exercise. There were actually two such exercises carried out in respect of the scheme, one for the design consultant and the other for the operator. The Deputy is a former Cabinet Minister. He would have had control over policy in the various Departments in which he served and he knows exactly how the game is played in respect of these issues. He is also aware we are obliged to comply with the timelines relating to public procurement.

It took time to draft the legislation and deal with the various technical details involved. However, this was necessary to ensure we got it right. The process is all but complete and we want to ensure we will be in a position to roll out the scheme in August. If the committee wants to discuss the scheme thereafter, there is absolutely no issue in that regard.

That is a given. It is a fundamental democratic principle that the committee be given that opportunity.

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