Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I confirm that as leader of Fianna Fáil I entered into political arrangements with Deputies Lowry, Healy-Rae and Finian McGrath. I have no arrangement with Deputy Flynn.

The issues discussed, as is normal and appropriate, are covered in the national development plan, Transport 21 and the multi-annual capital programmes for public expenditure. I have committed myself through my best endeavours to implement priorities for these Deputies over the next five years. The projects are not outside planned current or capital expenditure in the years ahead. I have endeavoured over the past ten years in good faith and as best I can to deliver on political commitments I have made during the lifetime of the Government. The issues are not outside what we are trying to do. Several times I have tried to bring forward initiatives more quickly and efficiently and I intend to honour these political commitments to the three Deputies.

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