Political dispute over banking revelations
Senator Coghlan dismisses the allegations as a non-story and defends the Government’s position, while the opposition disputes him; he supports examining better ways to conduct Seanad business.
I join with all colleagues from every side in extending a very warm welcome to the newest Member, Senator Hildegarde Naughton, and I wish her every success in future. I respectfully say to my good friend and colleague opposite, Senator O'Brien - whose comments were taken up by acolytes in the form of my good friend, Senator O'Sullivan, and Senator Ó Domhnaill and others-----
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I have not been called that since I was an altar boy.
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The story about the Taoiseach must be the greatest non-story of all time.
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I will tell the Senators how I know.
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We will not bother with an inquiry.
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I have but I want to put this to the Leader of the Opposition. We were all talking to bankers at the time and damn all good it did us. We were trying to discern something of the truth-----
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-----and all we got for our trouble were porkies.
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-----in front of the Taoiseach.
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The only people in the loop at that stage was the Government of the day.
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And the Leader of the Opposition.
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It is self-evident. Those comments may rebound on the Senators. The suggestion from Senator Byrne has merit and I look forward to taking up the matter with the other Whips. I am sure the Leader would agree that if we can explore ways of doing our business better, we should of course do it.