Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

We never hear a word of concern about flooding difficulties there, but unfortunately such things cost money. While Kilkenny may be slightly removed from Senator Browne's bailiwick, it is an historically and archaeologically important city. We had to take into account many important issues that made the superb scheme quite an expensive one.

The Senator referred to a comment alleged to have been made by me. I wish to put this matter on the record. Senator John Paul Phelan made the same accusation on a radio programme in Kilkenny recently, yet he was forced to retract it a few days later. He suggested that I made light of the plight of some salmon which could not make their way up river, calling them "silly fish" in the House. On checking the record, however, Senator John Paul Phelan was unable to find such a remark. I never made any such comment in this House.