John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)

On the basis of the past record of Fianna Fáil, I do not doubt that it will face another day of reckoning when the Mahon tribunal issues its report in the coming weeks or months. The image of this country, externally and internally, has been damaged and tarnished once again. Whether we like it or not, the public perception is that if one is a multi-millionaire, one can use one's money to influence politicians and political parties. That is how I see what is happening. I have no doubt in my mind about it.

If nothing comes from this inquiry, it will be disastrous for the well-being of Irish society. That might well happen. I was glad to hear the Taoiseach say there could be other investigations outside this inquiry. It is sad that appropriate legislation was not put in place earlier, as we would not have needed an inquiry that became a slush fund for lawyers and barristers to make millions of euro.

When one speaks to people on the street, one hears their perceptions of these inquiries. First, people think the rich elite can get away with anything they like. Second, they think the main result of these tribunals is that those who are already rich get even richer. Third, they think nothing is being done for ordinary people whose lives are being destroyed by the policies of the last Government and the possible policies of the current Government.

It is worth revisiting the ideological decisions that were taken when this mobile phone licence was issued. Members will recall the unfortunate failure to invest substantially in Telecom Éireann at the time. Such moneys would have been well invested. We would have secured many jobs and we might have had a better service. Ideological questions need to be asked about the policy of selling State assets, the results of which are clear in this instance.

I am conscious that other Deputies are keen to speak. Before I ask the Taoiseach two questions that should be answered, I want to say I believe him when he says he will do certain things. I have to believe it because he has said it. I hope he will do what he has said. If he does, he will have my support. I am not here today to criticise him. I listened carefully to what he said. I hope he will implement his proposals. If he does, it will be for the betterment of this country.

I will conclude by asking two questions. First, will the Taoiseach consider releasing all the Cabinet papers of relevance to the awarding of this licence? Perhaps that has been done already. I suggest that records of all Cabinet discussions of the time should be released. Second, did the former Taoiseach, John Bruton, have any concerns about the issuing of the licence? Did any member of the then Cabinet, or anyone from an outside body, come to Mr. Bruton to raise such concerns? I would like those two questions to be answered in the Dáil at some stage tonight or tomorrow, if possible.

See this speech in context