McDowell rejects calls for wide-ranging Burke debate

Justice Minister Michael McDowell has refused to endorse calls from one of his PD colleagues for a full debate on the Ray Burke corruption scandal and Fianna Fáil’s handling of the matter.

Dun Laoghaire TD Fiona O’Malley has backed opposition calls for this week’s debate to include questions to the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and other ministers.

The Government has limited the debate to just five hours, according to Fine Gael, and has refused to allow TDs to question government ministers about what they knew about Ray Burke’s actions prior to his resignation in 1997.

Speaking in Dublin today, Mr McDowell said a full debate on the Burke scandal, lasting up to three days, would be unnecessary.

He said the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, will answer any questions that arise during the debate and is also available for questioning twice every week in the Dáil.

The Justice Minister was responding to claims by the opposition that the Government’s proposed format for the debate on Wednesday and Thursday is inadequate.

Both Fine Gael and the Labour Party have vowed to use the debate to try to force Bertie Ahern to answer questions about his appointment of Mr Burke as Minister for Foreign Affairs in 1997, despite widespread rumours that he (Ray Burke) was involved in planning corruption.