Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

To look at a different aspect of this, because there has been quite a lot of repetition, when does the Taoiseach believe the former Tánaiste became aware of the questions that have confronted him in recent weeks? Does he have any concern that she may have known of impending questions and that it might have, in some way, influenced her decision to vacate her role as Tánaiste when she did? Does he have any concerns in that regard as he has continued to ask questions as to from where this information may have emanated? Why does he believe there is such a strenuous failure on the part of the former Progressive Democrats Deputy and now editor of The Irish Times to expose the source of the leak from the tribunal? Is he aware that only one member of his Cabinet failed to applaud his contribution this afternoon? What is the Taoiseach's view on all this?

Given that the Taoiseach complained about the leak of the information from the tribunal as forcefully as he did, is he prepared to condemn the abuse of his office by the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he so happily leaked information to a journalist which was used to destroy the Centre for Public Inquiry? Does he have double standards in that regard? Does he not see the clear connection with leaks of the nature we are addressing?

On the connection between his party and the other coalition party and big business, does he agree there are far bigger issues regarding that relationship than all that has been exposed in this episode? I speak specifically about the cosy relationship that secured such a favourable arrangement for oil and gas exploration not only off the Mayo coast but elsewhere. Given the mystery behind how Fianna Fáil was so quickly able to deal with its massive accrued debt, would the Taoiseach like to tell us the extent of that relationship? For instance, did Fianna Fáil receive any contributions from Enterprise Oil, the people who initiated and hosted his first tent at the Galway Races? What is the truth behind how quickly the Taoiseach was able to deal with all that?

What are the full facts and truth behind the role of Ray Burke, as Minister with responsibility at that time, and others, including the Taoiseach, who must have been privy to the detail that allowed for such a cosy relationship where big business in the guise of these multinationals can ride roughshod over whole communities in this country? Many serious questions need to be addressed and not only the detail in regard to the specific accusations now levelled at the Taoiseach.

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