Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

If there was no statement, I would answer the question, but the Minister has asked to make a statement and I support what he will say shortly.

There is public interest in the disclosure of criminal activity, particularly where that disclosure is intended to protect the State's interest in maintaining the integrity of the passport system and the upholding of the relevant laws. The Minister is right to take that view. The type of disclosure he made is justified in the public interest. These issues are decided on a case by case basis and the Minister made the point that a general public disclosure is justified in some circumstances. In the case in question, the Minister was entitled to take the view that the disclosure of the false application form through the media was appropriate. The Minister answered the question in the Dáil in reply to a parliamentary question, which is on the record of the House. Therefore, it is incorrect to say he did not.

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