Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if she will confirm reports that an under bidder in a contract (details supplied) was granted a compensation payment; her views on whether this is a correct spending of sporting moneys; if she has requested that the Comptroller and Auditor General investigate this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14007/10]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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In 2002, an unsuccessful bidder in the competition to construct and operate the National Aquatic Centre took a legal action against the former CSID (that is, Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Ltd.), the Minister for Tourism, Sport & Recreation, Ireland and the Attorney General. Following lengthy Court proceedings, a settlement was finally reached between all parties in November last.

It is primarily a matter for the Comptroller and Auditor General to prioritise or direct its activities as it sees fit. However, it should be noted that the Attorney General's report into the awarding of the contract was published in 2002 and considered by the Public Accounts Committee. There were 18 hours of hearings before the PAC over approximately four days at end March/ beginning April 2002. The Committee did not make any findings or recommendations.