Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I may take the Minister up on that offer in due course. It is important, from the point of view of public perception, to ensure transparency at the earliest possible opportunity. I understand the necessity to retain certain information on account of commercial sensitivity but that is not necessary in setting out the process and giving information about what kind of expertise will be appointed. I am not suggesting that the Minister or his Department would do anything other than what is appropriate but if some of the mystery is taken out of the process in the early stages it prevents a head of steam being built up. We do not want a Fatima-style approach in which there is a sense of mystery where there is none. In most other countries the people and the processes are set out very clearly.

I accept that there is a potential for legal challenges but the public must be able to have confidence and I ask the Minister to reconsider. If I get the opportunity to meet the assistant secretary I will make those points without expecting him or her to provide any proprietary information. It is about ensuring that the process is not just above and beyond reproach but is seen to be. Doing this may be of benefit in any further legal challenge.

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