What Bertie Ahern told the Dail on September 10th, 1997, about the Fianna Fail party leader's allowance.
Deputy Spring has raised the issue of the party leader's allowance during Fianna Fail's period in Opposition. In so far as I could with little available records I am satisfied, having spoken to the person who administered the account, that it was used for bona fide party purposes, that the cheques were prepared by that person and countersigned by another senior party member*.
Their purpose was to finance personnel, press and other normal supports for an Opposition leader. There was no surplus and no misappropriation. The person involved had sole control of the account. The money came in, the person lodged the cheque, dealt with the bills and invoices and paid those not covered by the ordinary allowance. The account as far as her excellent recollection goes was normally short, not the other way around. I have spoken to her at some length. She has served many Taoisigh, beginning with Mr Jack Lynch. We consider her to be totally honourable.
*The senior party member is now known to be Mr Bertie Ahern TD.