What the Taoiseach said in the Dáil

Extracts from what Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said in the Dáil on September 27th, 2006.

"I went through my records dating back to 1977 . . . I went through all my personal records dating back to 1977, in addition to my wife's and children's personal records."

"These issues with the tribunal, pertaining to me, have now gone on for seven years. I have carefully gone back through and taken advice on all of these records over seven years."

"Deputy Rabbitte asked me earlier whether there was documentation on the circumstances of these loans from the individuals themselves. There is comprehensive documentation and it is with the tribunal as well."

"I have provided all documentation requested, sworn affidavits, given statements of evidence, and had no difficulty with this. It is my duty."

"I did not break the rules of the Standards in Public Office Act 2001. I checked the matter with senior counsel and the tax authorities long ago."

"Many years ago my tax advisers checked the issues in detail on the basis that it was a loan with interest . . . The monies were loans to be paid back with interest and it was on that basis that I took them. That was the position throughout the entire period. There was no other issue and that has been well documented with the tribunal and with the people involved."

"I paid capital gains tax and gift tax. It is not appropriate for me to spell out what I paid, but I assure the deputy that I did so following advice."

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times