Kitt refuses to extend 35-minute debate

THE Government has refused to allow more time in the Dáil for debate on Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s €12,000 Manchester payment, despite his undertaking to clarify the matter in full.

In a statement on Thursday night following the fallout over his radio interview in Cavan, the Taoiseach promised that he would fully explain the 1994 payment in the Dáil and answer questions.

However, notwithstanding those comments, Government chief whip Tom Kitt refused to allow more time to be allotted for the debate and said the time slot of 35 minutes decided on Thursday will stand.