Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

When political charges and counter charges are made across the House, especially in light of the events of the last 24 hours and the revelations in the Dáil yesterday, it might be expected that we on this side would go to ground. Far be it from that. I echo much of what our colleagues, Senator Boyle, has said. All of us on this side of the House would welcome full transparency and any clarity that needs to be brought to the debate that has taken place. It is a political charge, however, and I believe the Taoiseach has responded to the questions made in the other House. I do not believe there is any evidence that the Taoiseach acted other than in the national interest, and this has been endorsed by third parties who have been involved in the banking issue since 2008.

With all due respect to Senator Bacik, whom I greatly respect, it is a charge too far to suggest that the duly elected Taoiseach of this country should somehow be prevented, at a very difficult time for our economy, from representing the country during the March celebrations. It is something other countries would die for. To have the focus on Ireland-----