Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I have the greatest of respect for the Deputy's adviser but every refusal to mention something if asked amounts to a failure to mention it but every failure does not amount to a refusal. I cannot imagine someone saying that when he was asked a question and deliberately did not answer it, that does not amount to a failure. It could, however, amount to a refusal. In the circumstances, therefore, I am advised that the greater includes the lesser and "failure" is adequate to deal with the matter.

See this speech in context