Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

I congratulate Deputy Shortall on tabling this motion. I want to go back to the issues surrounding the severance package given to Rody Molloy and the €1.1 million golden handshake he received. I refer to the contribution of the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Mary Coughlan, and the contribution of the Minister of State, Deputy Billy Kelleher, tonight. Serious issues remain to be addressed and there is a great deal of wooliness surrounding the questions of why the money was paid and why no legal advice was sought. The Minister's contribution last night cast more doubt over the issue rather than clarifying the situation.

Deputy Shortall asked last night if he resigned or not. If he did resign, why was he given the €1.1 million golden handshake? Why was he entitled to a severance package if he resigned? If he was sacked, why would he have had a right to the severance package? How was he entitled to this package and why did the Tánaiste not seek legal advice?

The Minister of State said the Tánaiste acted under section 6(3) of the Labour Severance Act. That Act relates to severance.

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