Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)

The Independent Deputies beside me have made the point that they would much prefer this time to be given over to the Taoiseach explaining the attempted hijacking of Aer Lingus by Ryanair, the increases in gas and ESB prices and other crucial issues affecting working class people and working people in general as a result of the policies of his Government. It is the Taoiseach's fault that we must demand these explanations and accountability because of his failure to be frank with the Dáil and the people when he made his statement here on Tuesday.

Did the Taoiseach purchase a home from a person who attended one or some of the functions at which he spoke in Manchester? Did this person contribute to the personal donation of about £8,000 sterling which the Taoiseach received in Manchester? Why did the Taoiseach not name that person and identify this particular relationship when he spoke to the Dáil on Tuesday? It is clear that if he was attempting to be candid, he would have named that person and referred to that episode if it happened. Can the Taoiseach tell the people that he purchased this home at its full market value, that no reduction was made in the price to benefit him and that it was purchased by a bank loan? Was there a substantial deposit in the form of a lump sum paid as well and how was that done? Will the Taoiseach detail the amounts and the circumstances?

See this speech in context