asked the Minister for Communications if he has made arrangements for monthly reports from the board and new management of B & I; and the arrangements he has made for informing the Dáil.

9.

asked the Minister for Communications if the newly appointed chairman and consultants at the B & I Line have yet furnished any report to him; if he has been asked to approve any redundancies or restructuring of the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 9 together.

As I mentioned in my Estimates speech on 13 June, I have arranged for regular reports throughout the year from each of the State bodies under my aegis. These arrangements include the B & I. In addition, I expect to get a report within the next few months on a fundamental review of the operations of the B & I company. I will keep the House informed in relation to any major developments affecting the company.

I have not been asked to approve any redundancies or restructuring of the company.

Is it true to say that the Department will be responsible for paying the consultants and that, as a result of that, information about the progress being made should be available to the House at regular intervals, given that part of the financial arrangements are unique in relation to semi-State bodies?

I assure the House that I will not be slow about giving whatever information the House requires provided it does not breach commercial confidentiality. That is normal practice.

It is now two months since the unprecedented move was taken of putting this firm of consultants in charge of B & I. Is the Minister saying he has not heard anything from them since 1 May?

As part of managing the State companies under my control I have told them what information I require. In the case of B & I, I get a monthly report. On his appointment the chairman and managing director was asked to undertake an immediate review of the company's position. He undertook to do so and will report to me in September.

Does Mr. Spain, the chairman and managing director, report to the consultancy firm, the board of B & I or to the Minister or does he report to all three?

He reports to the board of B & I and can only put proposals to me which have the consent of the board.

Does he report back to the consultancy firm as well?

No, only to the board.

Is the Minister aware that on occasion it is difficult to get a question through on the basis that with regard to certain semi-State bodies the Minister has no responsibility or is not responsible for telling the House——

That does not arise on this question.

It arises on a range of questions.

This is a different question.

I have a pile of questions which were objected to, signed in the Chair's beautiful handwriting. The cost of the consultants will be borne by the Minister's office. Will it be possible to have regular reports on how the new scheme is progressing?

The payments of the chief executive and chairman that would normally be paid by the B & I will be reimbursed to them by my Department. My Department are responsible for the consultancy part of the fee. I assure the Deputy that I will be very forthcoming in giving replies to any questions that he may ask.