The Taoiseach corrected an inaccuracy in the statements made to the House during the debate on the payments made to Mr Ray Burke.

Mr Ahern said the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs, Mr Ahern, and he had said the Minister's reports of his meetings with Mr Murphy (of JMSE) had been forwarded to the Flood tribunal.

"That is indeed now the case, but it has transpired that it was not accurate when I stated it. Minister Ahern had sent the statements to our lawyers on April 20th and May 22nd to forward them to the tribunal," he added.

"The party lawyers had, however, sought a discovery order from the tribunal in order to afford protection to Minister Ahern. This caused some delay and the statement was finally forwarded to the tribunal on Monday last."