Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

The then Minister, Deputy McDaid, was accompanied by a team of officials on the day. One member of the delegation asked him if he would assert the application's validity in writing and he stated he was quite willing to do so. I recall one of his officials stating he should not do so there and then. Caution may have been displayed by the officials but the political master, Deputy McDaid, assured everyone that the application was valid and that money was available for the project.

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for allowing me to respond to the Minister of State. An absolute commitment was made in respect of this issue by a Minister. I hope some facility can be put in place to allow that commitment to stand as a political act of faith.