FG claims passports for sale review `suppressed'

Fine Gael has called for the immediate publication of the Government review of the passports-for-sale controversy. The party's Seanad leader, Mr Maurice Manning, claimed during the Order of Business that the file "has been suppressed".

He said it had not been published as promised during a debate earlier this year on the issue.

Mr Manning raised the controversy following the publication of remarks by the former Taoiseach, Mr Albert Reynolds, in the Examiner. Mr Manning said it was a serious matter when a former Taoiseach intervened in day-to-day politics.

Mr Manning called for the Taoiseach to come into the House to confirm Mr Reynolds's allegations that he had advised him not to appoint Mr Ray Burke to the Cabinet.

"Secondly I want him to confirm that Mr Reynolds and Mrs Maire Geoghegan-Quinn referred him specifically to files in the Department of Justice dealing with passports for sale.

"I want to know what the result of that inquiry was if he inquired into it and if it affected his decision.

"This file is very relevant to the allegations made yesterday by Mr Reynolds and it is very relevant to many aspects of the current controversy."

He added that in the interest of "openness and transparency" to which all parties subscribed, immediate steps should be taken to publish this report.

Dr Mary Henry (Ind) said she shared Senator Manning's concerns about Mr Reynolds's revelations.

Mr John Dardis (PD), the deputy leader of the Seanad, said "the House has no control over Deputy Reynolds or the remarks he might make".

He pointed out that, notwithstanding the seriousness of these matters, it would be impossible at such short notice to arrange a debate, given the Taoiseach's programme.

"As to the review of the publication of the passport scheme, I would certainly share the senator's view that it would be desirable to have that published and have it in the open."

Senator Dardis pointed out that the sale of passports for investment "is stopped and only those applications which were standing at the time will be dealt with in due course".

The Cathaoirleach, Mr Brian Mullooly, later ruled out of order a formal motion by Mr Manning calling for the adjournment of the Seanad to allow for a debate on the allegations by Mr Reynolds in relation to the appointment of Mr Burke to the Cabinet.

The senator expressed regret that a debate would not be allowed on this matter "which is one further cause of great public concern".