FG tables confidence motion in Mahon tribunal

Fine Gael has published the wording of a motion of confidence in the Mahon tribunal, which it intends to table in the first week…

Fine Gael has published the wording of a motion of confidence in the Mahon tribunal, which it intends to table in the first week of Dáil business after the current break.

The party's environment spokesman Phil Hogan said the wording was finalised following a meeting of the front bench.

The wording of the private members' motion, which Fine Gael said it will move in the first week of business, states that Dáil Éireann reaffirms confidence in the tribunal and its belief that the tribunal is acting independently, without bias and within the remit contained in the terms of reference set by the Oireachtas".

Mr Hogan said the motion will allow all members of the Dáil and Cabinet to vote "on a matter of huge importance".

READ MORE

"We will see if the Fianna Fail Ministerial attack dogs have any bite when it comes to this vote. In addition, I look forward to John Gormley, Mary Harney and their party members voting in line with their publicly stated support for the Mahon tribunal," he said.

The Government said it would give the motion its consideration and table its own motion in response.

Fine Gael and the Labour Party have repeatedly attacked the Taoiseach in recent months over his evidence to the Mahon tribunal.

Both the Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and Labour leader Eamon Gilmore called for Mr Ahern's resignation at the weekend.

Mr Ahern, who is in Africa on an official visit, told reporters on Monday that the Fine Gael leader was telling a "bare faced lie" in claiming he, Mr Ahern, is not tax compliant.

Mr Ahern also defended his handling of his tax affairs in a statement issued earlier this month.

He said it would be inappropriate for him to discuss the details "with anybody other than the Revenue Commissioners". But he said he was in a position to answer any questions raised by the Revenue.

In response to the Fine Gael move, Government chief whip Tom Kitt said: "In accordance with usual procedure, when a motion is put before the House by the opposition, the Government give the motion its consideration in due course and bring forward its own motion."

The Dáil is adjourned until January 30th.