Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Why interrupt me every time I try to speak? Everybody will have a chance to speak. There is no monopoly on time.

I compliment the Minister on coming to the House. Is there any action she can take? I am aware she has met the chairperson of the foundation. Is there action she can take, under law or whatever way, to prevent these paintings leaving the country? I know people have entered into a contract for £1.4 million and say they are the owners of the paintings. Is there anything that can be done at this late stage? I appreciate the Minister has outlined the difficulties involved and the cuts made to her Department. Obviously many people are concerned about these paintings leaving our shores. I understand totally the position the Minister has been put in. That was an absolutely scurrilous remark by Senator Terry Leyden that she was instructed by the Taoiseach to take such action. He should withdraw that remark. He flies his kites quite high at times but he did so again in this regard and he should have the decency to withdraw what is an untrue remark.