Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

My point is that the Minister, Deputy Gormley, gave a very clear impression that this matter was discussed in some detail on the Sunday before the Monday meeting at which the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance made their decision. An incorporeal meeting was held and when the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, was contacted, he was about to drift off to sleep, even though he said he was having sleepless nights.

On this budget day and in view of the fact that this decision and the manner and consequences of it have effectively put the next generation in hock, what is the truth of the matter? Was it discussed, decided upon and agreed on the Sunday? Were the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance given authorisation that if some other element arose on the Monday, they could make the decision they made or was it all done by the incorporeal meeting on Monday 29 September 2008? This is what I wish to know.

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