Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The media do not want to wait until 11 p.m. for an answer. If the Deputy ever becomes a Minister, he might find himself in a situation where he is involved in one meeting or another and media sources are looking for answers immediately. At that point one of his press staff might say, "This is what the Minister wants to say." In some cases a spokesman may be attributed. Sometimes I cannot find out who they are. I like to think Ministers are clear in what they say, but it may be the case that on some occasions they are en route to Brussels or involved in meetings when media outlets request an immediate response. On such occasions a spokesperson - anonymous or otherwise but certainly not Deep Throat cells - will respond on behalf of the Minister and the Department. There is nothing mysterious about it. In this case Ministers are happy to respond on issues relevant to their responsibilities.

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