The Minister of State at the Department of Public Enterprise, Mr Joe Jacob, agreed to reflect on a proposed provision in the Gas Interim Regulation Bill after Senator Feargal Quinn claimed that it would open the way to corruption.
Mr Feargal Quinn objected to enabling Bord Gβis to subscribe or guarantee money to or for any institution or for any public, general or useful object. When the State gave to charitable causes, it should be done in a way that was open and transparent, he said.
In a separate debate, Mr Jacob brought his comments on the proposed Sellafield MOX plant to an abrupt conclusion.
Mr Joe Jacob had stated the Government was acting to prevent the plant operating, and when he referred to the EU in this context, he was interrupted by a civil servant, and following a consultation, Mr Jacob told the House: "Perhaps I'll leave it at that."
Meanwhile, tributes were paid on all sides of the House to former Senator Mr Paddy McGrath who died earlier this week.