Dept demand answers from Aer Rianta

The Government tonight increased pressure on Aer Rianta to publish the results of its report into allegations a senior minister failed to pay a brandy and cigars gift bill.

Department of Transport secretary general Julie O’Neill wrote to the company demanding an answer to questions by the close of business tomorrow.

The news came after Aer Rianta said its inquiries into claims that it delivered the goods to a minister in the early 1990s would not be completed until next week.

Ms O’Neill told the company her department had completed its own inquiry but that it could not be published until Aer Rianta had completed its investigations.

Opposition party Fine Gael’s transport spokesman Denis Naughten said the fact that reports remained outstanding left a question mark hanging over transport minister Seamus Brennan.

Mr Brennan has denied both receiving and failing to pay for the account, relating to cigars, whiskey and brandy during the 1990s.