Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Fianna Fáil might need him shortly. I recognise that the Taoiseach is away on official business. I expect the Tánaiste will be in touch with him today and I would like him to remind the Taoiseach I have a number of serious questions I would like him to answer when he returns. In the Tánaiste's less than 100% support for the Taoiseach in this House yesterday he claimed I was jumping to conclusions, that I had assumed the role of the Revenue Commissioners and that I was determining people's guilt. I made the point that I was asking the Tánaiste questions about facts that had emerged from the Taoiseach's mouth.

Yesterday the Tánaiste came to a conclusion and made an assertion and said in response to Deputy Gilmore that the Mahon tribunal had a "bogus dollar" claim. What evidence has the Tánaiste to back up that assertion? What proof has he that this is a bogus dollar claim? If he does not have that evidence, is he prepared to withdraw that remark? Speaking for the Government last night, Deputy Fahey said the Mahon tribunal is involved in a witch hunt against the Taoiseach. Does the Tánaiste believe that the Mahon tribunal is engaged in a witch hunt against the Taoiseach, yes or no?

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