Fine Gael has claimed that a report on food quality assurance schemes was suppressed because of the controversy surrounding the Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr Ned O'Keeffe.
Mr Alan Dukes, Fine Gael's agriculture spokesman, said the review group was to have produced its report this week. During the Order of Business he asked the Taoiseach to confirm that "because of the embarrassing circumstances surrounding the activities of the Minister of State, Deputy O'Keeffe, in relation to food quality we are now not to have the benefit of the considerations of this group?"
Mr Ahern said he was unaware of any report being suppressed, "not to mind the one he mentioned".
Mr Dukes: "If it is being suppressed, the Taoiseach would not be aware of it." Mr Ahern said he would check and let Mr Dukes know when the report would be published. Labour's deputy leader, Mr Brendan Howlin, asked if the Taoiseach was made aware when Mr O'Keeffe was given ministerial responsibility for meat and bonemeal, "that the Minister of State was a licensed holder for meat and bonemeal".
Mr Ahern: "The Minister of State declared his interest in the companies in which he was involved."
Mr Howlin: "That is not what I asked the Taoiseach."
Mr Ahern: "The Minister of State declared his interest because I was aware of the interest. That is the reply."