Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

For the purpose of clarification, it is important for me to point out what my role is, as Minister, in site acquisitions. I do not issue instructions to buy a preferred site. There is a memorandum of understanding, which is an engagement between the local authority, not just Fingal County Council but all local authorities, and the Department of Education and Skills. As part of that process, there is a communication between Department officials and Fingal County Council to ensure that a number of preferred sites are put on the table. It is up to them to ensure the communication is open and transparent. The Senator stated that a county councillor said that there is no engagement going on between officials-----