Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

The wording of this amendment does not seem to be in accordance with the point made by Senator Paddy Burke. The amendment seems to be superfluous, as section 3 of the Bill clearly covers all possibilities in its reference to, "the optimal means of financing the cost of public investment projects." As the Minister of State, Deputy Treacy, has stated, the EU has strict tendering procedures. I do not understand Senator Burke's point that the agency's role should include giving advice to other groups, as the Bill clearly says that the role of the agency is to advise the State. We should not forget that the State represents the entire community, including taxpayers. While the agency may hold discussions with other groups about financing, its clear responsibility is to advise the State. I do not think we should invite the possibility of a conflict of interest by allowing it to advise private groups that are tendering for a project, unless it is acting on behalf of the State in doing so.