Cullen accepts need for changes after Leech controversy

Minister for Transport Martin Cullen has acknowledged that changes in procedures are warranted following the controversy surrounding the awarding of PR contracts to one of his close friends.

A report drawn up by former Revenue chairman Dermot Quigley has exonerated Mr Cullen of any wrongdoing in relation to the awarding of contracts to Monica Leech while he was minister for the environment.

Responding to the publication of the report today, he said his integrity was intact, but he accepted Mr Quigley's recommendation for a tightening of procedures to prevent future suspicions of favouritism.

"As the report states, the process was carried out with integrity and fairness on all sides," Mr Cullen said, "but of course there's no process that anybody's ever involved in that can't be improved upon.

"Mr Quigley has made recommendations for the benefit of all going forward that certainly warrant consideration and I believe they should be considered."