Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

In respect of Deputy Kenny's first question, as I explained today, I did not consider at the time that I was in breach of any legal or ethical requirements applying or intended to apply to Ministers and gave reasons for this belief. It was an error of judgment, notwithstanding the fact that my actions did not breach obligations. It was open to construction and capable of misinterpretation, in some cases deliberately. I regret having accepted the money at the time, notwithstanding the points I made about the circumstances. I have nothing new to add to what I said last week.

In respect of Deputy Kenny's second question, we have put forward proposals for changes in the ethics Act. In respect of Deputy Kenny's third question, I have already stated that it was connected with a football match. I cannot be precise about the date but I have tracked down some of the information. I know I was in Manchester on six occasions that year. I will give any information to the tribunal.

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