Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

Does the Taoiseach agree with finding 4.2.1 of the Quigley report into the affair surrounding the Minister, Deputy Cullen? It states:

... there are risks in a Minister proposing a named person for a contract. Such a procedure may not least give rise to a perception of impropriety.

Does the Taoiseach share the conclusions of Mr. Quigley, the report's author? In particular, does he agree that the reason for such a perception is that the fees commanded in this case would be attracted only by the top dozen or so senior partners in long-established public relations companies in this city? Ms Leech cannot be counted among those fortunate few. Is it not the case that, on the other hand, she can indeed be counted as a political associate of the Minister? Are those the facts that give rise to what Mr. Quigley called "a perception of impropriety" and the need to change the rules? Will the Taoiseach state specifically which change will address this issue?

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