If the Dáil is to play a central, dynamic role in Irish life, it must be capable of responding in an appropriate fashion to the issues of the day. And when a political scandal raises its head, the public is entitled to a proper ventilation of the issues in the national parliament.
That is why the Coalition Government should facilitate the opposition parties when they seek information and explanations in the Dáil today in relation to the behaviour of elected members. In the absence of such flexibility, the adoption of codes of conduct and ethics for Oireachtas members will be perceived by the public as a process for further procrastination.
It is now more than six years since a tribunal of inquiry began investigations into corruption at the heart of the planning process in Dublin. The Flood tribunal - later to become the Mahon tribunal - found that former government minister, Mr Ray Burke, had received corrupt payments. Allegations made by property developer, Mr Tom Gilmartin, in relation to meetings with other government ministers and the payment of £50,000 to former minister, Mr Padraig Flynn, are due to be investigated next month. Witness statements made in advance of those hearings have been "leaked" extensively in recent days, raising some important questions for Fianna Fáil.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, last night rejected allegations that he himself had obstructed the work of the tribunal by failing to ensure that documents relating to contacts between Mr Gilmartin, the Government and Fianna Fáil had been handed over. That assurance has to be welcomed because of the seriousness of the matter. But the Dáil is the primary forum in which such matters should be resolved. And Mr Ahern would do well to recognise its authority and to deal with the questions the opposition parties have tabled in order to finally dispose of the matter. Such a transparent response would not unduly intrude on the work of the Mahon tribunal.
Fianna Fáil TD, Ms Beverley Cooper Flynn, has already indicated her desire to make a personal statement to the Dáil concerning allegations that she assisted her father, to evade tax by moving money, received from Mr Gilmartin, offshore. She wants to put her version of events on the record, she said. Ms Cooper Flynn has consistently denied that she ever facilitated or encouraged the evasion of tax while employed at National Irish Bank. Later this month, she will appeal against a High Court judgment that she advised and encouraged some clients to do so.
A Fianna Fáil Ethics Committee will consider these fresh allegations against Ms Cooper Flynn. But, nothing is expected to happen until the Mahon tribunal delivers its verdict. There has been a lot of talk about "due process" surrounding the tribunals. The Taoiseach, for his part, saw fit to rebut the latest allegations in the strongest possible manner yesterday. The Dáil must be allowed to have its say on issues which are fundamental to our democracy.