Dáil debates

Thursday, 11 October 2018

Resignation of Minister: Statements

 

4:35 pm

Photo of Michael HartyMichael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This is an extraordinary afternoon. The additional information about three meetings comes as another shock. I assume the former Minister, Deputy Denis Naughten, assured the Taoiseach that there was no impropriety in what was discussed at the dinners. However, the perception is that influence could have been exerted on the allocation of the contracts. If that is the case, and we have not yet heard from the former Minister about the issue, it made his position untenable and we have to accept that. Surely the position of the consortium must also be called into question because if the Taoiseach contends the former Minister acted in an inappropriate manner, he must also believe that the consortium acted in an inappropriate manner and can no longer remain as the bidder for the national broadband plan. That would leave rural Ireland waiting for broadband for many years to come, which would be a most unfortunate outcome of this process.

Also, if the Taoiseach believes Deputy Naughten acted with impropriety, he must also believe that those who arranged the meetings acted inappropriately. This calls into question the position of the Minister of State, Deputy Pat Breen, a constituency colleague of mine. I would not attack the Minister of State on a personal level but if he has been involved in this process, he also has questions to answer. Most important, the Taoiseach has questions to answer on his ability to continue to lead this Government in a cohesive manner. His position has been undermined in this process as well. The issues are much wider than rural broadband and the former Minister, Deputy Naughten. They go to the heart of Government and the Taoiseach must explain how he can continue to govern in a cohesive manner.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.