Ahern pledges response to report

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday pledged to move quickly to implement all 12 recommendations contained in yesterday’s report into the circumstances surrounding the appointment of Monica Leech by Transport Minister Martin Cullen.

The central finding of Dermot Quigley’s report centred on the fact that the suggestion by a minister that a particular firm or person be given a contract risked the perception that there was some form of impropriety at play. To counter such a perception arising in future, the detailed report recommended the Taoiseach’s Department should issue advice to ministers on all consultancy contracts, particularly if a minister is seeking additional PR or communications expertise.

Crucially it is recommended accounting officers should be advised and adequate documentation kept in any case where a minister personally suggests a person in relation to a contract.