Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

We did not have the benefit of hindsight at the time. This clearly illustrates the failure of ministerial infallibility, which is something about which I have always had doubts. At long last, we have seen an admission in the House, in writing and even at this late stage, to the effect that a mistake has been made. It is quite true that the whole world has not come to a halt as a result of this but it could. It proves a valuable point, that even Ministers can make mistakes. We have found out at last that they are not infallible. I will sleep contentedly tonight following this admission that Ministers are no longer infallible.

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