The Taoiseach said he agreed with the remarks of the Tánaiste about her air trip to the west of Ireland to open an off-licence in Co Leitrim.
Mr Ahern said Ms Harney had acknowledged there was a personal element to the event in Manorhamilton, and that, with the benefit of hindsight, she would have made different travel arrangements.
"However, the decision to authorise the use of the MATS [Air Corps aircraft] was correct and justified, as it was based on official use of the Minister's time for a formal opening. The Minister made it clear that she would not have done so if she had not been pressed for time that day." Asked by the Labour leader, Mr Ruairí Quinn, if he agreed with her judgment, Mr Ahern replied: "I think, yes. In fairness to the Minister, she does an enormous amount of travelling within the country trying to visit boards and staff of companies in the case of closures.
"To her credit, she puts enormous effort into such work. She was trying to fit an enormous amount of work into the day in question and has made her position clear. I do not have the details, but I understand the payment referred to by the deputy was made and received."
Asked by the Fine Gael leader, Mr Michael Noonan, if Ministers would have the use of Air Corps transport during the general election campaign, Mr Ahern said nobody would be able to use it, unless on official business.
Mr Joe Higgins (Socialist Party, Dublin West) said it was demeaning and utterly inappropriate for the Taoiseach or his deputy to "run around the country opening pubs, off-licences and supermarkets." Mr Ahern said people usually complained that Ministers and Ministers of State did not spend enough time out in the regions.
"They are constantly being asked to undertake engagements by people in rural communities.
"The Tánaiste did so, but she has given her own view on the matter and there is no need for me to reiterate it."
