Taoiseach denies any involvement with casino

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern categorically denied he gave personal approval for the National Lottery to engage in confidential talks on a casino project in 1994.

In a hard-hitting statement issued on his behalf, the Taoiseach said that reports about his involvement in the proposed casino were without foundation and he was only informed about the secret agreement afterwards.

“Neither the minister [Mr Ahern] nor the Department of Finance were asked to approve a Non-Disclosure Agreement in 1994,” said the statement.