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

In relation to the travel generally, I then raised the question in what I have already admitted to being a poorly communicated opinion six years ago. Do I believe that the spouses of Ministers should travel at a cost to the State willy-nilly? No, I do not. Do I believe that in exceptional circumstances, which is the point I was making - I mean seriously exceptional circumstances - a case could be considered and could be rejected? That is the point I was trying to make in the correspondence. This was a philosophical exchange which went nowhere. It was an opinion expressed. The Vice Chairman asked me, and rightly so, whether I hold that opinion today. Circumstances have changed considerably, and I respect they have changed considerably, so I do not hold that opinion.