Seanad debates

Wednesday, 14 May 2003

Senator Ulick Burke mentioned the offer of €4 million for a neurosurgery unit. I am indebted to Senator Mansergh who used the phrase that we should fear Greeks bearing gifts. He even gave me the Latin version, Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes. I wonder if there are ties to such an offer. No matter in what Department I served, I was never lucky enough to meet a benefactor who was willing to give me €4 million to underpin some part of my Department. It would be fine if the offer came with no ties and if there was no other agenda – perhaps it has given that a neurosurgery unit is involved – because, as Senator Ulick Burke pointed out, there are two centres of excellence in Beaumont and Cork. It sounds like a very noble donation but I imagine there is an underlying reason for it. Perhaps I am just being miserly about it but I will ask the Minister the reason he is refusing it.

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