Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I will deal with the two points on which Deputy Rabbitte questioned me yesterday. I was fully briefed on the first point. The second question he asked was when the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform knew about this matter. I stated yesterday that I did not know and that it was a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. A spokesperson for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform put the reply to that question into the public domain immediately afterwards. I understand there is a Dáil question in that regard or that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform stated he would in some way deal with the matter in the House today. I understand he is well prepared to do that.

I was briefed on the first issue yesterday and my position, which I will restate, is exactly the same today. The Deputy asks whether I can give an assurance on the record of the House that no case might arise in the future, that no case is pending or that no case might come through the Court of Appeal where this evidence would be required. I cannot give such an assurance because it is not my responsibility.

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