Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

Irish democracy deserves to hear the tenor and tone of the conversation, which was as follows:

"Willie O'Dea: ...while occasionally we send out letters to planning applicants we have never been involved with anyone who shot anybody, or robbed banks, or kidnapped people. I suppose I'm going a bit too far when I say this but I'd like to ask Mr Quinlivan is the brothel still closed?"

Mike Dwane [the journalist]: Is the brothel still closed?

Willie O'Dea: Is the brothel still closed?

Mike Dwane: What brothel is that Willie?... "

The Minister remembers it. He is smiling fondly in recollection.

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