Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a decision has been made on the successful tender for the national conference centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20191/05]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 43: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the latest date for the delivery of a national conference centre; if the 20 May 2005 deadline for the receipt of tenders was met; the timeframe for a decision on these tenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20293/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 43 together.

Tenders from two consortia for the provision of a national conference centre were received by the Office of Public Works on 20 May 2005, the deadline for the receipt of tenders. These are currently undergoing detailed assessment and evaluation and the selection of a provisional preferred tenderer is now scheduled for later in the summer, with the award of the contract, subject to Government approval, expected before the end of the year. When construction will start and finish will be a matter for the successful tenderer.

As I have said on many occasions in the past, my personal priority and that of the Government is to have this project brought to a conclusion at the earliest possible date while ensuring that the relevant procedures and guidelines relating to the process are closely observed and that nothing is done that might jeopardise its successful conclusion.