Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern, to the House. I compliment the Minister for the Environment and Local Government on his speech. We can all subscribe to his comments when he describes the report as a highly significant contribution to Irish public and political life.

In the preface to the interim report Mr. Justice Flood refers to the Brennan and McGowan module, the Century Radio module and the Gogarty module. The Minister pointed out that Mr. Justice Flood has given a clear message to anyone who has had corrupt dealings. He made it clear that he supports that message, as I am sure this House does. He pointed out that the act of hindering or obstructing a tribunal is a criminal offence and remarked that the findings of the Flood tribunal are a blow to the political system. He went on to say it is unacceptable for anyone who holds high office and enjoys the trust of the Government and the public to accept corrupt payments in return for political favours.

In our political lives we have all had to be wary and conscious of the fact that there is hardly ever such a thing as a free lunch. I agree with some of what Senator Mansergh has said. Corruption is not confined to politicians. Officials have been involved as well as those business people and developers who made corrupt payments. Unfortunately, some in the political arena operated in the manner of qui tacit consentit or he who keeps silence consents. We must be on our guard constantly.