Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is asking me questions about the Tánaiste's reaction when he was informed or what he knew at a particular time. In many respects all I can tell him is what I know, although it is not necessarily the full story. The Tánaiste was informed mid-afternoon yesterday that the Minister for Justice and Equality and Defence had tendered his resignation. What we understand is that the Taoiseach had invited Deputy Shatter for a discussion. I am quoting what is in the public domain; I am not party to any of this directly. As Deputy Shatter has said, he read a number of chapters in that report and on the basis of what he read he tendered his resignation to the Taoiseach. That is as I understand it. The parliamentary Labour Party was in session when the Taoiseach made the announcement to the Dáil; I think the Deputy was present, so he heard it directly. I came into the Chamber about five minutes after the Taoiseach had started speaking. That is what I understand to be the position.

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