John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In the interview to which Deputy Harris referred, I was talking in terms of the spouse of the Minister travelling where the Minister would be asked to pay. I then said "in exceptional circumstances" and referred to that in the interview. I gave the example of poor health on one side or the other. I said it was not for the Minister to decide. In some regulations it states it is for somebody else to decide.

It is an opinion and does not affect the coffers of the State or the view around this table and how we question Ministers. In fact, we should all resign from the Dáil if we have opinions. Is that what the Deputy is saying? He has an opinion and I respect it. I have an opinion which varies only slightly from his. I do not push it. I have already said that in these straitened times, the answer would be "no". It is an opinion.