Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator has my word that I shall not interrupt her. Let us agree to that at the very least.

We, the Executive, have no responsibility in respect of the amendment. The Senator shall accept it is a matter for the Speaker of the House, the Cathaoirleach.

With regard to the Title, I understand the view of the Senator but we do not agree. She has her view and the Minister, Deputy Howlin, and the Government have another view. I suspect that we will not reach an agreement on it but we may as the Bill progresses its way through Committee and Report Stages.

We do not agree with the Senator that this is a sale. We believe that this is a competition under EU law to establish a licence, as it has in the past, for a period of 20 years. We are hopeful that the competition process will obtain financing. We all agree that finance is very important for a national infrastructure project such as a new tertiary paediatric hospital. It is the firm view of the Government that the Title of the Bill, which is effectively the issue that we are discussing, section 1, is correct. We are using the opportunity, as I said last week in the House, presented by the competition for a new licence to generate an upfront payment, part of which will be used to finance the new national children's hospital. Even if no provision were made for the upfront payment, a competition would have to take place for another licence. One might question the duration of the licence but either way a licence competition must occur. It is our considered view that the means through which we have chosen to operate the licence for a 20-year period with an upfront payment means much-needed funds can be used for this purpose. I know that the Senator does not agree with my comment but I respectfully disagree with her. It is okay not to agree on the issue but that is what parliamentary democracy is about. It is okay not to disagree.