Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Fianna Fáil Deputies expressed concern about how the Minister allegedly behaved at a Garda checkpoint. Their evidence comes from a former member of their party, Deputy Mattie McGrath, who returned to this House in 2011 without the inconvenience of flying the Fianna Fáil flag while continuing to wear the Charvet shirt. It is alleged that the Minister alluded to parliamentary privilege when he informed a garda that he was on his way home from the Dáil and had not been drinking. This accusation is unfair and without foundation, and it should be withdrawn. I fully and wholeheartedly support the Minister, Deputy Shatter, as a man who is leading the way in the legislative change and reform which this House will acknowledge is badly needed.

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