The Department of the Taoiseach has refused to release details of the multi-million euro "secret deals" struck between Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Independent TDs in return for supporting the new Government.
A request for copies of the agreements reached between the Taoiseach and Tipperary North TD Michael Lowry, Dublin North Central TD Finian McGrath, and Kerry South TD Jackie Healy-Rae, made under the Freedom of Information Act, has been refused.
The deal Mr Ahern agreed with a fourth Independent TD, Beverley Flynn of Mayo, was not in writing.
The Irish Timeswas told that under section 2(1) of the Act, any record that is created for, or upheld by, an office holder and that relates to the functions of the office holder as a member of the Oireachtas or as a political party, is deemed exempt.
To date, none of the Independent TDs has fully disclosed their deal with the Taoiseach, but all have said that in time, details will emerge.
When asked about the deals in June, Mr Ahern said he would not be releasing details but stressed most of the issues were covered in the National Development Plan, Transport 21 and the capital programmes for public expenditure.
Of the four Independents, Mr McGrath has given most details. His deal involves investments, community policing and other key local issues.
Last month he revealed that a commitment to the development of a €30 million 34-bed treatment unit for cystic fibrosis sufferers at St Vincent's hospital in Dublin is part of his agreement. He said the plight of cystic fibrosis sufferers became an issue during the general election when a 20-year-old student wrote a powerful article entitled: "My life is in politicians' hands."
Mr McGrath said yesterday he would be drip-feeding more details as projects were rolled out.
Ms Flynn said in June her deal with Mr Ahern was not in writing and was based on "mutual respect and understanding". Having it in writing does not mean that it is any more likely to be honoured "and the only people who need to know [ the details of the deal] are the people of Mayo", she said.
Mr Lowry, a former Fine Gael minister, said after the election he had agreed various issues for his constituency with the Taoiseach "which would emerge in time".
Mr Healy-Rae reached agreement on various infrastructural developments in his constituency. He told The Irish Times yesterday that he would be releasing details as the projects happened.