The following is the statement issued yesterday by the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan:

"I wish to state that to the absolute very best of my recollection, it being approximately 12 years, and in the strongest possible terms, lest there be any doubt, that I never personally received, authorised or had knowledge of the ordering, purchase or delivery of the alleged goods referred to in the Sunday Independent article of Sunday last.

"I am hopeful that the full facts relating to this allegation can be established within days. I reiterate that when the reports are available I will publish full details immediately."