Ahern to seek publication of AG's letters

THE Fianna Fail leader is to challenge the Taoiseach next week to publish the text to the letters sent by the Attorney General to the Minister for Justice in the Department of Justice affair.

Mr Bertie Ahern raised the matter yesterday on the Order of Business, which was taken by the Minister for Finance, Mr Quinn, in Mr Bruton's absence.

Mr Ahern said Mr Bruton had inadvertently misled the House on Wednesday night when he had stated that there was no precedent for releasing the text of advice given by attorneys general. There were precedents, said Mr Ahern.

The Ceann Comhairle, Mr Sean Treacy, intervened to say that there could not be a rehash of Wednesday's confidence debate, adding that the matter would be dealt with again in the House next week.

Mr Ahern said he was giving notice to Mr Quinn that he would give the Taoiseach the opportunity to correct the record. "I am sure he did it inadvertently. I am not making an issue of that."

The PD leader, Ms Mary Harney, said the report of the inquiry was not scheduled for debate in the House next week. She sought an assurance from Mr Quinn that Opposition questions would not be rule out on the basis of the anticipation rule.

Mr Quinn said the Government expected to have the report some time next Monday. Although what time was not yet clear, arrangements would be made to have a full debate in the House, as soon as was practicable. This had already been promised by the Taoiseach.

Provision would also be made to have a question and answer session with the Minister should that arise, Mr Quinn added. He expected that both Opposition parties would like some time to read the report before it was debated in the House.