Just as there was an acknowledgement by Deputy Sargent regarding the particular correspondence to which he adverted, the resignation statement of Deputy O'Dea continues to defend his position on the basis, as clearly stated, that he holds the position that there was no intention on his part to mislead in any way. He acknowledges also that his continued presence in Government would have had the regrettable conclusion of destabilising the Government and, therefore, resigned.

On the position in regard to what happened yesterday, Deputy Kenny has a lot to answer for in terms of how his people behaved.

The Government has a lot to answer for in terms of where this country is now and the Taoiseach knows that.

I call Deputy Kenny.

Even the Government back benchers are laughing at the Taoiseach.

Deputy Kehoe please allow Deputy Kenny to respond, without interruption, please.

Look in the mirror.

It is all our fault.

Deputy Kenny without interruption, please.

The back benchers are laughing nervously.

That is the greatest load of nonsense I have heard from the Taoiseach in a long time.

Hear, hear.

The question I asked of the Taoiseach is whether he accepts he made a serious error of judgment in attempting to defend the indefensible in the case of former Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea.

Hear, hear.

The Taoiseach forced his Government, members of the Fianna Fáil back benches and the Green Party, to come in here and publicly defend former Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea who, the Taoiseach stated, had lived up to the standards he set for him. Yesterday, we witnessed a deep contrast in the dignified resignation of former Minister of State, Deputy Sargent. I have no interest in the internal machinations of the Fianna Fáil Party, be they valid or otherwise.

The Deputy is too busy with his own.