Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am sure the Taoiseach will agree that the exercise of government is one of openness and transparency and that matters should be seen to be absolutely above board. I have no doubt but that this is his conviction. However, the arrangements to which I refer are secret deals involving the Government and two or three Independent Deputies. The details relating to these arrangements are confidential and, therefore, cannot be made known to the House or to the remainder of the country.

An assistant principal officer has been appointed to deal with this matter. I do not know how much time that individual allocates to deal with the whims and concerns of the Independent Deputies involved. How many hours per week does this official devote each week to dealing with Deputies Healy-Rae and Lowry? How much time was allocated in respect of the concerns of Deputy Finian McGrath when he still had a deal with the Government?

See this speech in context