Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I might not be obliged but I am happy to answer the question and give the background to it. I have answered questions on the matter in the past and am happy to do so again, even though I am not obliged to do so. The background to it is that my wife worked for Diageo. She no longer works there. During the time she was working for Diageo she received a number of shares. As we are a married couple a portion of those shares was in our joint names. The matter was raised with me and I am in the process of taking them out of my name and they will be in my wife's name. They are part of the compensation she received when she was working for a company for which she no longer works. It will have absolutely no impact on any decision I make. Members will correctly charge me about many decisions I will make and I am accountable for that. I will never let any decision or interest such as that impinge on any decision I make. For the record, I have not worked for that industry. I declared those shares because it is right and proper that I do so in compliance with the legislation in the area.