Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I said in my opening statement that it would have been preferable if the conversation had not taken place and I reiterate that. It was by no means a definitive view and nor could I have done so at that time. I said it would likely that it would go to a phase two assessment, but I also made it crystal clear that I would be guided by the advice of my officials when the application came before us. The file had not come to our Department at that stage. It did not come to our offices until the end of November and it was dealt with appropriately at that stage. The fact is that-----

See this speech in context