Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Kenny inquired about the issue involving Deputy Callely. In the discussions on the report Deputy Callely stated that the issue was mentioned to him and he noted on the side of the minute that he would raise it with me. He stated that during a vote on that day or some days after he mentioned to me that the issue of eligibility and entitlement was raised at the meeting and that the Department was seeking legal advice on the matter. That is what Deputy Callely raised and that is what it has been stated he raised. As part of the debate I will ask the Minister, Deputy Martin, to deal with the conflict between him and the Secretary General.

Deputy Kenny also asked a question to which it is important to have an answer before I go to the United States, given that I will be asked questions there. I do not want to be anything other than helpful to the peace process. However, so many issues have been raised and statements made, and I say it calmly and not in any way to be unhelpful, that I need at least to be able to answer questions, and I will try to communicate with him in the next few days.

I agree with Deputy Rabbitte that all of this is making it increasingly difficult to deal with trust and confidence issues. I do not want to take issue with Deputy Ó Caoláin. I am trying hard to find aspects that are helpful and constructive. I hear and accept what the Deputy said. However, it is some weeks since I had the meetings. It is important for all of us in this House, without exception, to recognise that it was the Irish people who made a statement in voting for the Good Friday Agreement. What we have all been trying to do in various ways is to ensure that is implemented. That statement makes clear that there is no place for violence of any kind by any organisation in this country, and there is more than one organisation that has, from time to time, been involved in violence. The latest statement by the IRA is outrageous and offensive.

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