Statement by, Mr Cullen, on the publication of the Quigley report.
Over the last month, Mr Dermot Quigley has carried out a detailed and comprehensive inquiry into this issue.
His terms of reference were agreed with the Opposition and intended to be as wide as possible.
He had access to all files and all persons relating to the work of Monica Leech Communications for the OPW and Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government.
I co-operated fully with him in his work. His report confirms:
* that there was nothing improper in the awarding of the contracts,
* that I did not infringe on the division of responsibilities between ministers and civil servants,
* that the nature of the contracts were in line with norm and practice,
* that all of the work which Monica Leech Communications has been paid for came within the terms of official contracts,
* that her work is regarded by civil servants to have been carried out to a high standard. Throughout this controversy there has been a consistent pattern of exaggeration and distortion.
Each of the claims made is comprehensively rebutted by the facts as now published. During this controversy, I decided on a policy of not commenting on every story and refusing to get dragged into responding to every comment.
I have always known that I behaved properly and that the public interest was not damaged in any way.
I am satisfied that the depth and rigour of this inquiry is clear and that the facts are there for all to see.
As I have done for the past two months, I will continue to concentrate on my work as Minister for Transport.