Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Over the years I have had many meetings with Mr. Chuck Feeney on many issues and I hope I will continue to do so. Mr. Feeney is very helpful to the State in respect of many projects, and many people involved in education, child care and other areas are very grateful for his activities.

On the Minister being able to set down in a fair way his position on issues that have arisen or issues on which he is asked a question, his duty is to give full and detailed replies. He has done so and he has a right in this regard. There is a public interest in the disclosure of criminal activity particularly where such disclosure is intended to protect the State's interests, maintain the integrity of the passport system and uphold the State's laws. That type of disclosure is justified in the public interest and is decided on a case-by-case basis. In the present case, the Minister is entitled to take the view that disclosure of the false application form through the media was appropriate even though these events had been in the media several years ago. In answering questions, the Minister is entitled to present all the facts and demonstrate the bona fides of his actions. I cannot see anything incorrect in any of this action. Normally, people withhold investigation and can be investigated for withholding information. The idea that the case of the Director of Public Prosecutions was affected holds no validity.

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