The Taoiseach was accused by the Labour leader of a "GUBU of a new generation". Mr Ruairi Quinn said: "And unlike Taoisigh of old, this one is quite prepared to stand idly by. And as he does, the reputation of us all, as well as himself, falls further into the mire."

He added that the Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr Ned O'Keeffe, had told the House he was writing to Mr Ahern to make known to him family interests which, he said, went beyond those required by law.

"But for three years, he seems to have failed to inform the Taoiseach that his family farm benefited considerably from a scheme, limited to 17 farms, administered and policed by the very section of the Department in respect of which powers were formally delegated to him.

"It is fortunate for him that the Taoiseach is so blindly indifferent to these matters."

Mr Quinn was speaking during the resumed debate on a Fine Gael private member's motion calling for immediate Government action on BSE.

A Government amendment to the Fine Gael motion, approving the actions it is taking in dealing with the BSE problem, was carried by 72 votes to 62.