Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 6

Written Answers. - Public Procurement Policy.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

211 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has satisfied herself that all aspects of public procurement policy and semi-State guidelines were complied with by CIE in relation to its lands at Spencer Docks, North Wall Quay, Dublin, and their potential use as a site for the national conference centre; if the exclusion by CIE of one of the candidates invited to submit a tender by Bord Fáilte in relation to the national conference centre is in line with Government guidelines and in accordance with public procurement policy; and if this and subsequent legal challenges could lead to a delay in proceeding with the construction of the national conference centre and the loss of £25 million of EU funding for this. [8559/98]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

It is my understanding that CIE does not propose to dispose of its lands at North Wall. Instead it is seeking to enter into appropriate partnership arrangements for the redevelopment of those lands which would enable CIE to retain ownership and generate an income from the redevelopment. There are no specific provisions in relation to such partnership arrangements in the relevant State guidelines.

Any questions in relation to the national conference centre competition are matters for the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation.