Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

We disagree with the substance of Senator Marty's references about this country. There is no question of Ireland having been involved in any collusion. Senator Marty's use of the term is unfortunate. Ireland has not colluded in any unlawful activity. The connections with the refuelling referred to in Senator Marty's report were made after the fact on the basis of the imposition of a pattern of movement so there is no significant evidence in the report. As I stated last week, if he has a basis for his assertions, he should produce it.

Before preparing his report, Senator Marty, amazingly and unlike any other body, did not contact anyone in Government circles to check anything.

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