Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I do not want to make the Minister of State's life difficult, but he has been delegated powers in the Department and he has them signed, sealed and delivered by the Tánaiste. However, I am missing a point. Why is this in the Bill if the decision has already been made and the contract awarded to a company? Would it not be more appropriate if the Bill was passed by both Houses, signed by the President and then the contract awarded? That is why I made strong representations to the Government not to go ahead with this. That is my personal opinion and it would be easy for me to sit back and not have any view about it. As Senators from the Government party, we have a right to make our views known.

Of course I will vote with the Government on the issue, but I am sure the Minister of State will realise that this is our duty and that we can help the Government by pointing out all that can be teased out in this House. I do not want to see a company awarded a contract and then have it taken away because the Bill has not been passed.