Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

None of the letters from the various tribunals to the Government secretariat seeking papers, files and diaries regarding a number of events before them have ever been shown to me, on the basis that the tribunals mark them "Strictly Confidential". None of the letters has ever been seen by me. I am not saying the Deputy said anything in this regard and I am not replying to the Deputy but other Members have made comments. That is the procedure, which is being followed, and it is the procedure that the tribunals expect to be followed. Letters sent to the Government secretariat seeking files and records from various Departments and the Government are never shown to me for a good reason. I have been before the tribunals and I am the leader of Fianna Fáil. I am a political office holder and I understand why the tribunal did that. On every single letter that is the position.

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