asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General for 1976 regarding patent rights in relation to the Timoney APC; if the Government hold patent rights as indicated by the report in view of the fact that these vehicles are to be produced in Belgium; if any licences have been issued or production rights granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am aware of the report mentioned.

As this matter is still the subject of examination by the Committee of Public Accounts, it would be improper for me to comment on it at this stage.

Could I ask if the Minister is satisfied that the financial arrangements entered into at the time turned out to be satisfactory and if those arrangements did not include the curtailment of the designer to ensure that as public moneys had been provided to him by the State he would not sell the patent of this vehicle abroad?

The Deputy, as chairman of the Committee of Public Accounts, knows what report that committee have made available in relation to this matter.

I do, indeed. It is a public document.

He is also aware that the Public Accounts Committee are awaiting the response of the Minister for Finance. The matter is now a question between the Minister for Finance and the Committee.

Is the Minister for Defence happy with the financial arrangements that I have described?

As already stated, I am awaiting the response of the Minister for Finance.

Has the Minister not got the minutes of the Minister for Finance on that particular issue?

As far as I know, the Minister for Finance has not yet replied to the Committee of Public Accounts.

Why not?