Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I am very glad to answer the questions and then, as the Deputy has suggested, we can move on from these issues. I will answer them comprehensively.

Regarding other issues, from the Government's perspective, I finished Government meetings with my colleagues on the Sunday of the weekend of 23 December and the Government resumed in full session on 4 January. I admit that was a few days off, but I do not think the Government went away for any length of time from the issues with which the State must deal.

See this speech in context