Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am sure anyone would have preferred that the five bidders who originally entered into the process stayed right to the end, but as Deputy Dooley knows, the number reduced to three and, in turn, they reduced to one. That is the nature of any procurement process. Having just one bidder left required far greater due process by the State to ensure that the State interests are protected. That is the reason there has been this level of work to evaluate carefully the risks and benefits, technically and financially. I do not think anyone would forgive me for short-circuiting that work. It is important that when I go to the Government with a recommendation it is based on a thorough evaluation. That is clearly what I am attempting to achieve.

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