I welcome the Taoiseach back to the House. It must be difficult for him to adjust from the lofty heights of international politics on the world stage as President of the European Union. It is not a case of, "Come back, all is forgiven." The House will have an opportunity to pay him credit for his work in Europe later this morning.

While the Taoiseach was away, a series of elections was held here. In the course of those elections, his name, his title and his photograph were used without his permission in the sunny south-east, in respect of representatives who would be fair and honest. People were asked in the Taoiseach's name to vote in a particular way. This ethical scandal comes in a long list. I remind him of the history of his involvement in the signing of blank cheques, which he admitted some years ago. There were reports of Fianna Fáil election literature stapled to voting cards. There was the misuse of the diplomatic bag in the case of a letter, which was actually signed by the Taoiseach.

The letter which is at present in question makes for interesting reading. It calls for support for a candidate whom it describes as "patriotic and honest". I understand this letter was sent to over 2,000 constituents. Will the Taoiseach say if he has seen this letter? Did it carry his consent and imprimatur? Does he regard it as a forgery and if so, what action does he propose to take as a consequence?

I hope I am not hearing correctly that since I went away poor Deputy Kenny is suffering from loss of memory. The election was discussed in the House a fortnight ago. My last visit to this House was following the election and it was discussed on two consecutive days.

I am not suffering from loss of memory.

That came from the Orient here.

I am pleased to inform Deputy Kenny that this side of the House has in recent years put in place legislation covering standards in public office which is very good legislation in my view.

It was done by us.

It allows for investigation of all matters that are deemed inappropriate. The Government has laid down guidelines and standards that have been endorsed by the Standards in Public Office Commission regarding use and misuse. Issues about the use of Oireachtas envelopes were raised during the election. Questions were asked about who used Oireachtas envelopes and their use by Members of the Oireachtas from different parties. That matter has been brought to my attention. I could list a fair litany of instances for the Deputy. It may be best to leave it to what has been stated by the Standards in Public Office Commission, that there should not be a misuse of public funds given to either political parties or to office holders.

In answer to Deputy Kenny's question on the issue of Lorcan Allen, I did not have any prior knowledge that my signature was to be used on a letter to voters in Gorey. Had I known, naturally I would have taken steps to ensure it would not happen. Something like that should not happen. The general secretary of the Fianna Fáil Party is reporting to the national executive on that matter next week.

Regarding the other matters raised, the House has made a number of changes in its rules in recent years and most Members are abiding by those rules.

The Taoiseach is correct when he says that legislation was introduced by his Government in regard to ethical standards. These ethical standards were not followed in all cases.

Dr. Garret FitzGerald's signature was forged by Fine Gael.

The Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Noel Dempsey, sitting beside the Taoiseach, was man enough to apologise to the House after the Standards in Public Office Commission reprimanded him. We are still waiting for the Minister of State, Deputy Fahey, to appear and that speaks for itself in terms of the legislation introduced by the Government.

The Taoiseach should not talk about the general secretary or the national executive of Fianna Fáil. The letter has a picture of the Taoiseach on it and it states, "A lot done, more to do." The Taoiseach's signature appears on it. The Taoiseach is still President of the European Union and this letter was sent out in his name.

I recommend the Taoiseach read the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 which states in section 25:

A person is guilty of forgery if he or she makes a false instrument with the intention that it shall be used to induce another person to accept it as genuine and, by reason of so accepting it, to do some act, or to make some omission, to the prejudice of that person or any other person.

If the Taoiseach does not take action, he is likely to have a situation arise where his name and title could be used in anything from an application from a student for a summer job in McDonald's to somebody wishing to enter the United States with a reference from Bertie Ahern. It is not good enough in his capacity as Taoiseach and leader of the Government of our country and as one who has served very well as President of the European Union. In the context of this legislation, it behoves him to do more than refer the matter to the general secretary and national executive of the Fianna Fáil Party. What does the Taoiseach propose to do about it?

The investigation of this matter is fairly clear. The individual concerned has already said he is totally guilty, the letter was forged and it was an inappropriate use.

What is the consequence?

It is now a matter for the party to deal with. That is the procedure. The person has stated it was a misuse and an abuse and that he was totally incorrect to use the signature. I have given a reply on the matter and it now falls on my party to deal with it. That is all I can say.