Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Martin for his comments and his question. Yes, I am concerned about it. I believe there is a matter of public interest here of the utmost importance that has to be dealt with. Now, the confidential recipient, as Deputy Martin is aware, was appointed under a statutory instrument introduced quite some time ago. The Minister, Deputy Shatter, has already made it clear that he is unhappy with the way that this has operated. Separate from this particular matter, he is intending and has stated his intention to bring in legislation to change the way it works.

I might say this, though. The Minister dealt with this in the House last night. He does not have any knowledge of the alleged conversation, of a transcription of the conversation or of a tape of that conversation, nor indeed is there any basis for implying that the Minister ever expressed the kind of views that are attributed to him in what has been alleged. Nor is there any basis for implying that the Minister ever had the conversation of any nature with the-----

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