Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

I have several supplementary questions to ask. Any fair reading of the guidelines would establish, and my legal advice is to the effect that, the terms of the package came outside of the normal guidelines and, in that event, where there was an exceptional case, Government approval was required for that package. I know there was a big rush to deal with Mr. Molloy and get him out of the way as quickly as possible but the fact is that Government approval was required. The Taoiseach states he is not aware that this was the case. What advice did the Taoiseach take? The Attorney General's office is available round the clock to provide advice. This was a package that has cost the taxpayer €1.2 million and nobody thought it warranted obtaining legal advice from the Attorney General's office. It is outrageous to behave in this manner.

Will the Taoiseach undertake to go back and get legal advice on this matter? It seems he and his Ministers have bluffed their way out of this over recent months. Is he prepared to actually take legal advice on this matter?

See this speech in context