Mr. Simon O'Brien:

I am sorry; I should have taken that question also. I do not know what may come out but I am clear on the position if a certain document is in the hands of other people, such as a journalist. I have looked at that document and it does not fit my recollection of why a particular security check was revealed. I say it now because I am on the Oireachtas record and because I believe it will be important not to have another round of public disquiet and public comment if the content of the document emerges this weekend. I have been very clear in meetings with colleagues and others who may be involved in this that I would rather flag this aspect of what may be said.

How did it happen? As with the Deputy’s previous question on whether we are talking about ongoing investigations – I will not be naming anyone owing to legal advice nor commenting further, and I hope I have not commented too much already – we will see exactly what may come out. From that point, we will respond to that. It is very important that I have looked at what I have seen. If I have seen a particular fault, I have briefed the Minister as clearly as I could as the information was still coming to light. I am briefing other colleagues to say we should wait to see what other potential issues or banana skins might emerge. I would rather be open and honest with members and the people and say we should not allow anything more to be dragged out of us kicking and screaming. If we find anything else and if any other issues arise we believe should be in the public domain as we begin to examine how to pick ourselves up and move forward, I will not allow myself to appear before people again only to have them ask why they were not told about it.