Noonan calls for Ahern statement on aquatic centre

The Taoiseach should make a statement to the Dáil and answer questions on the selection of a dormant shelf company to run the national aquatic centre at Abbotstown, Mr Michael Noonan said this morning.

We have seen what the Taoiseach does when the pressure is on, he passes the buck to other people The Fine Gael leader, Mr Michael Noonan

The Fine Gael leader said appointing the attorney general to conduct an investigation was evidence of Mr Ahern trying to distance himself from the issue despite the fact it was the Taoiseach's personal project.

"We have seen what the Taoiseach does when the pressure is on, he passes the buck to other people," Mr Noonan said.

Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Noonan said the situation had all the elements of a "Fianna Fáil fiasco".

Attorney General Mr Michael McDowell has been asked by the Government to investigate the selection of Waterworld UK to run the national aquatic centre at Abbotstown, Dublin.

But Mr Noonan said: "Appointing the attorney general in my view is inappropriate not because he lacks any particular qualities but this was essentially a job for a senior civil servant. The secretary of the Department of the Taoiseach should investigate it or alternatively the secretary of a senior Government department".

Mr McDowell's report is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet at its next meeting on Wednesday week. His investigation follows the disclosure by The Irish Timesthat the company chosen after a tender process - Waterworld UK - was dormant when it signed heads of agreement.

Mr Noonan was also critical of the length of time required to carry out the report. But Mr McDowell today said 10 days was not an unreasonable length of time to carry out a "careful and well researched examination of that issue".