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SF accuses Health Minister of corrupt practices

The deputy leader of Sinn Féin has accused the Health Minister of engaging in "sharp corru...
Newstalk
Newstalk

11.47 20 Dec 2012


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SF accuses Health Minister of...

SF accuses Health Minister of corrupt practices

Newstalk
Newstalk

11.47 20 Dec 2012


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The deputy leader of Sinn Féin has accused the Health Minister of engaging in "sharp corrupt practices".

But the Tánaiste has hit back at Mary-Lou McDonald questioning "how many bodies are buried on the island" because of Sinn Féin.

The battle started on leaders questions in the Dáil when Mary Lou McDonald revealed her party had secured a document under a Freedom of Information request.

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This document was a briefing note for a meeting between James Reilly and NAMA in April of this year.

"The document we have acquired openly contradicts Doctor Reilly's claim that he had no hand, act or part in the selection of the Balbriggan site" she said.

Waving several pages in the Dáil chamber she went on to say "I am absolutely astonished on two fronts - firstly that James Reilly and this government would have the brass neck to act in such an improper fashion. But secondly and maybe more astonishingly that you will stand by not just this Minister but by this obvious sharp corrupt practice, sharp corrupt practices that cost you a Junior Minister".

Angry exchanges

At this point Doctor Reilly can be heard shout across the chamber "I challenge you to say that outside of here".

A now angry Tánaiste took to his feet accusing Mary-Lou McDonald of "steeping to a new low" and of "having a neck".

Eamon Gilmore said "you know so much illegal activity, how many bodies are buried on this island because of Sinn Féin? You come in here with your orders from Belfast to make allegations. There is a long established way to make an allegation against a member in this house. The Minister for Health has challenged you to say outside this house what you've just said in here. Stand over it. Don't be coming in here and abusing it. This is a clever little trick".

Watch the exchange below:


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