Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The behaviour of the Minister of State on this has been nothing short of precious. This was not part of some transaction or deal that he did with the Labour Party on the basis that we have resiled from the initial amendment that we proposed relating to the threshold on the scheme. The Minister of State put it on the record that he was prepared to accept amendment No. 11 to allow for a review to be undertaken into the operation of the scheme. It is on the record of the House.

I do not want to accuse the Minister of State of misleading the House, because that is a different charge altogether, but he has behaved in a manner that is ill-becoming. What was done was dishonourable and deeply regrettable. I call on the Minister of State to consider his approach to this. While the damage may be done now, the Government will have the opportunity to revisit this in the context of the amendments that will undoubtedly be considered by the Seanad. I would prefer if we could deal with this here and now. The Minister of State has the opportunity to set this straight and resile from the position he has adopted.

In my view, he has behaved dishonorably in this regard.

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