Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I agree that the Taoiseach has been remiss in that he majored on a new way of doing business and so on. I have just read the Minister's resignation letter. The Taoiseach should have consulted or, at least, informed the Opposition of these matters. The Minister, in his letter, says he has not read the full report and has reservations and concerns about it, in particular its conclusions. He says he is anxious to avoid any controversy that might arise for the Government or difficulties which may be created for Fine Gael or the Labour Party in the lead-in to the European and local government elections. This echoes to some degree what I said a moment or two ago, but we will put it to one side. Does the Taoiseach have concerns about the report? He made a point when he was speaking earlier of saying several times that the Minister had not been interviewed by Mr. Guerin. The Taoiseach has read the report; none of us has. Does he accept the report or does he, too, have reservations and concerns? Does he have concerns, as the Minister does, about its conclusions? Why did he not tell us that the Minister had resigned in order to avoid any controversy that might arise for the Government or difficulties this issue might create for Fine Gael or the Labour Party? Why did he not circulate the letter of resignation to Members?

See this speech in context