Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank both Deputies for agreeing to move this Topical Issue matter to today. I am taking it on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Finance, who regrets that he cannot take it himself. I want to make it clear that I cannot, as the two Deputies understand, comment on the specific matters mentioned in the Topical Issue matter, notwithstanding the sensitivities which were very well articulated by both of them.

The Minister is aware of media reports on a €25 million debt which may be associated with this case. It would be wholly inappropriate for me or the Minister to comment on or interfere in any way with a matter that is before the courts. From the text of the Topical Issue matter, that appears to be the case. The Dáil will be aware that the Constitution provides for a tripartite separation of powers-----

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