Mr. David Moloney:

We have a very good relationship with the OPW. I emphasise again that in the discharge of his functions around flooding schemes under the Arterial Drainage Acts, the Minister has a regulatory function and must take a neutral view of the issues that arise. He does that primarily through taking on board the advice of appropriately qualified external consultants. I can see, for example, that the OPW would not have sight of the thinking behind our communications with the external consultants through the process. It cannot have such sight because of the independent regulatory nature of the Minister's role.