Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Government dealt with the private notice question which came before it and set out the Government's position. The Minister of State, Deputy Curran, has dealt with the specific matter since it was raised in the first instance in the House. He was in a position to give a full and explicit explanation. The Minister, Deputy Gormley, was not in a position to attend at that time. It was dealt with on a Government basis and the Minister of State concerned explained the matter in full, which is the purpose of a private notice question.

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