Tanaiste fends off questions on EIB post

The Tanaiste refused to be drawn on the controversy over Mr Hugh O'Flaherty's nomination to the European Investment Bank when…

The Tanaiste refused to be drawn on the controversy over Mr Hugh O'Flaherty's nomination to the European Investment Bank when she was challenged by the Opposition in the Dail.

The Fine Gael deputy leader, Mrs Nora Owen, asked Ms Harney if she still supported the nomination, given that in the course of his interview he had indicated that a degree of ad-hoc decision-making took place in the justice system.

She asked if Ms Harney was still satisfied, having heard the questions raised in the interview given by Mr O'Flaherty, that there was no need for her to withdraw her support from the Government.

"I would like a direct answer from the Tanaiste. She supported the Taoiseach yesterday, despite his comments that the former judge had questions to answer."

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Ms Harney said the Labour deputy leader, Mr Brendan Howlin, had tabled a motion to the Oireachtas justice committee, which would be considered next week.

"That is the appropriate forum for such consideration."

The Labour leader, Mr Ruairi Quinn, asked if Ms Harney was satisfied with the replies given by the Minister for Finance on Wednesday. "Does the Tanaiste, or do the Progressive Democrats, believe Mr O'Flaherty should accept an invitation to appear before the committee?"

The Ceann Comhairle, Mr Seamus Pattison, said the matter would be before the relevant committee next week.