Brendan Ryan (Labour)

I worked in the private sector until 2007 in a position which included responsibilities for purchasing and renting. If I received a report on machinery that indicated it was unfit for purpose, I would have been shot if I decided to purchase it on behalf of my company. I would not even be allowed 30 minutes to clear my desk.

This is complete nonsense. One section of the Department reported the units are unfit for purpose but another section went ahead with the purchase. It is unbelievable that a temporary solution was allowed to continue for 28 years. I acknowledge the Minister of State does not necessarily argue this decision was correct but how could somebody decide to purchase redundant kit in the midst of a serious financial crisis? All I have to go on is the answer set out by the Minister of State and, while I am not sure it has anything positive to say, I thank him for it none the less.