1 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the nature of the understanding between the Government and Deputy Lawlor; the written agreement, if any, which exists between the two parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16666/00]

The Chair and the House will be aware that Deputy Lawlor publicly announced his resignation from the Fianna Fáil Party. He stated that he did this with sadness and reluctance as he did not wish his position within the party to be used to distract from the workings of Government. I appreciate Deputy Lawlor's public spirited approach at this difficult time for him and his family. I equally appreciate his pledge of continued support for the Government.

Is it the Taoiseach's belief that the only reasons for Deputy Lawlor's resignation were issues of public service as described by him?

The only information I have is the statement he issued. He set out in that fairly short report why he retired and stated that any decisions he made as a public representative, either as a member of a local authority or a Member of Dáil Éireann, were made in the public interest and not for financial gain. Those are his words.

Does the Taoiseach think Deputy Lawlor did anything wrong?

The Deputy is going outside the scope of the question. The question asks if there is an understanding between the Government and Deputy Lawlor and about a written agreement, if any, which exists between the parties.

Does the Taoiseach think it is appropriate that the Government should rely for support on any Deputy if it is felt that the Deputy has done something wrong? Does he believe Deputy Lawlor has done something wrong?

Again, Deputy, this—

Is the Deputy making an allegation?

—should be the subject matter of another question.

Is the Taoiseach not capable, therefore, of drawing any conclusions from the Fianna Fáil inquiry report?

Deputy Bruton, the Chair has ruled that you are going well outside the scope of this question.

Deputy Lowry was sitting over there only a couple of weeks ago. What is Deputy Bruton talking about?

Please, Deputy Briscoe, I ask you not to interrupt.

The Taoiseach has brought the heavies with him today.

Why is the Taoiseach unable to come to any conclusion himself as to whether anything was done by Deputy Lawlor that ought not to have been done?

Deputy Bruton, I rule your questions out of order on the basis that they go far outside the scope of the question submitted. If the Deputy wishes to submit other questions, there are opportunities to do so. Deputy Joe Higgins.

(Dublin West): Is there an unwritten understanding between the Taoiseach and Deputy Lawlor that the Deputy will support the Government in any crucial vote in the Dáil? Is there such an understanding and what are the implications of that? Does the Taoiseach agree that the Government, which is now the Fianna Fáil party resting on 12 rickety legs, four nervous Progressive Democrats, four Independents and two strays from Fianna Fáil—

Deputy Higgins, the first part of your question is in order. The Taoiseach.

(Dublin West): It is totally untenable for the Government to continue its position—

As I said in my reply, Deputy Lawlor stated that he would support the Government and I do not have any information other than that.

Does the Taoiseach think the support of Deputy Lawlor will be enough to keep the Government together?

It was nice of Deputy Rabbitte to come.