Ahern defends contacts with Independent TDs

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern defended his decision to have a member of his staff liaise with Independent TDs who supported his minority government which served for five years until the last general election.

Mr Ahern said a number of Independent TDs had offered "invaluable support" to the FF-PD government.

"While in regard to this administration their support is not as critical to the Government's majority, given the support they provided in the past, I have tried, and will continue to try, to be as helpful as possible to these deputies," he said.

"A staff member in my office assists the Government chief whip's office in its work in liaising with these deputies. The official meets the deputies on a regular basis and arranges to keep them briefed on issues as they arise."

Mr Ahern said there was no additional cost to the taxpayer involved.

He identified the deputies as Jackie Healy-Rae (Kerry South), Mildred Fox (Wicklow) and Niall Blaney, (Donegal North-East).

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny asked if it was reasonable to give some Independent deputies a helping hand over and above everybody else: "Is this a type of each-way bet for the Taoiseach?"

The Taoiseach said the deputies concerned had been supportive of the Government and it would be wrong, just because the two parties had a majority, not to give them some assistance.