Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

That was one of the Minister's many interruptions, and perhaps I had better let it pass.

I honestly believe that it says something about the Minister that he should be prepared to support such a situation. Although superficially not an important issue, for the individual affected it could be very important. That individual would not even be able to find out why he or she was denied a licence. It is not acceptable, and I would like any Commissioner reading this exchange to be clear that this approach — if not advocated by the Minister, at least mentioned by him — does not enjoy the support of the House.

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