Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I reiterate that I would be deeply concerned if such practices occurred in any State companies, as I am sure all of us would be. I would like to see evidence of such practices, however. That needs to be established. The day-to-day operation of the companies is a matter for the companies themselves. As Minister, I do not have a role in interfering with the daily operation of any of the companies concerned, and rightly so, nor would any Minister under whose remit State agencies operate. Such bodies are legally given that independence of operation and they should be allowed to get on with the job.

I would be interested to receive whatever the Deputy has to send to me. I cannot personally recall receiving in writing any of the accusations to which the Deputy referred, but I will certainly check in my office whether such information was sent directly to me.

See this speech in context