Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

I have welcomed the Ombudsman's report in that it has set the record straight in regard to the false and defamatory allegations made against me by Jim Higgins and others, including Deputy Ferris.

This issue has been ongoing since 1994. I have had to put up with the sort of complete misrepresentation that we have heard today about what was involved in this scheme. There was no 75% of any compensation given to anybody. The Ombudsman's report states on page 9 that she accepted gross tonnage was made available by way of replacement capacity and not compensation. It is not correct to say any scheme was ring-fenced. I was most anxious to ensure everyone had an opportunity. It was not correct to say specific individuals were written to. Anyone who had made representation to the Department in the years previous to the scheme, and there were many, were all contacted to tell them the scheme was being considered.

I have had to put up with many of the allegations made today for six years. They were mainly made by Jim Higgins MEP. They are wrong and anyone who reads the report of the Ombudsman, particularly the quotations I cited from pages 3 and 9 of the report, will see they are wrong. My good name has been vindicated by the Ombudsman against the false allegations made against me.

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