Therefore, the sale of the paintings was presented to the Minister as a fait accompli. The Senator is right in his assertion that a member of the National Gallery of Ireland and a member of An Taisce were on the board that made the decision.

Correct.

I am puzzled by it. It is incredible that the board made such a decision without informing the Minister. It is absolutely disgraceful. The Minister was told that as a contract had been entered into with Christie's, it was a fait accompli. The trustees have said they could have been caught for £1.4 million if they had opted out.

It would be unenforceable.

The Minister should bang the table and say she is not happy with this.

She has met the chairman. As I mentioned, this is what she was told.

She should sack the board.

That might happen. One never knows what might happen. I am not the Minister, but it is ludicrous-----

The same happened to Mr. McNulty in County Donegal.

The Senator has had his say and made his point. There is no point in chirping in like a peacock at every opportunity.

I like to respond to points made by the Leader.

I have replied to the best of my ability with a factual reply which I hope the Senator will take on board.

May I reply to the Leader?

The Senator can speak during the debate on the issue.