Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 8: To ask the Minister for the Environment; Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself with the fiscal position of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority and its output this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44295/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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In response to its challenging financial position, the executive board of the authority has undertaken a major review and restructuring of its activities, cutting all discretionary expenditure and reducing staff levels from 55 full-time equivalents in January 2009 to 27 staff currently. Whereas the authority's 2009 annual report and audited accounts, which were published earlier this year, indicate progress was made in 2009 in stabilising the authority's day-to-day financial performance, the authority continues to face financial challenges with an operating loss of €7.4 million, compared with €27.1million in 2008; impairment losses and write-downs of €11.2 million, compared with €185.8 million in 2008; a reduction in the authority's net assets to €4.1 million, compared to €26.2 million in 2008; and borrowing within, but close to, the borrowing limit of €127 million.

Moreover, the prevailing uncertainty in the property and housing market will impact on the authority's development activities, and the outcome of its engagement with the National Asset Management Agency regarding the resolution of outstanding debts in the Becbay joint venture will also be central to the authority's overall future financial position. Achieving further progress towards a break-even position remains a key objective, and the authority is in ongoing discussion with my Department and the Department of Finance on its financial position and outlook.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The financial position of the authority has been a source of great concern for a considerable period. Will the Minister bring forward proposals to limit the damage this organisation has caused to its finances and the damage done because of recklessness exhibited towards staff which have been let go? They have had to leave the organisation because of the activities of a few people. Will any accountability be sought from the board members who have served in this organisation since its establishment for the manner in which they have led this organisation into disrepute and the current financial position?

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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As the Deputy is aware, I appointed a new chairperson, Professor Niamh Brennan, to take control of the authority. She was instrumental in producing two reports which demonstrated exactly what had happened in the Dublin docklands. Recently I spoke to board members who feel the authority is now finding its feet again and I hope it will be in a position to do some very good work for the community.

As the Deputy knows, this legislation was not introduced by this Government but rather by my constituency colleague, Deputy Ruairí Quinn. The idea behind it is good and it has provided some good employment in the area and has done some very good community work. I hope that under the stewardship of Professor Niamh Brennan the docklands authority can improve its financial position. It faces enormous difficulties and there are ongoing problems.

I have always indicated to Deputy Hogan that there are difficulties in this country in tackling white-collar crime. This includes people who have abused their positions. I am aware of the individuals who the Deputy may be referring to in this case and I believe our legislation is not strong enough. We must improve and we are going to ensure we can have more effective whistleblower legislation to identify problems in the first instance. There should also be strong legislation to ensure that those who engage in white-collar criminality can be brought to justice as quickly as possible.