Noel Grealish (Galway West, Progressive Democrats)

These include reform of the health service, prudent management of the nation's finances and implementation of the national development plan that will give us the modern infrastructure that Ireland will need to compete in a rapidly changing global economy. My party wishes to continue with the people's priorities. This does not mean, however, that we can ignore standards in public life. The Progressive Democrats are committed to the highest standards and have been willing to act in accordance with that commitment. In keeping with it they insisted on the establishment of suitable vehicles to investigate allegations of wrongdoing, including the tribunals of inquiry and special investigations into matters such as Ansbacher accounts. Such vehicles must be given the appropriate resources and reasonable time to conclude their business and reach conclusions. We support the work of the tribunals and look forward to seeing their conclusions at an early date.

The Quarryvale module has not run its course. There are a number of witnesses to be heard and issues to be examined before conclusions can be reached. It is appropriate that we allow the tribunal to do its work and present us with a comprehensive report. It is not for us to anticipate its outcome and reach conclusions based on partial information. We are not dealing with its conclusions, rather we are dealing with an opportunistic attempt by the Opposition to use this as an excuse to override the results of the general election. In the run-up to the election the Opposition shied away from the issue and stated it was a matter for the tribunal.

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