Dáil to hold special debate on Bertie controversy next week

The Dáil is to hold a special debate next Tuesday on the controversy surrounding payments to the Taoiseach in 1993 and 1994.

The Government agreed to the debate following rowdy scenes in the Dáil this morning as opposition leaders criticised Tánaiste Michael McDowell over his stance on the controversy.

The Progressive Democrats leader said yesterday that he believed Mr Ahern's decision to accept £39,000 from wealthy businessmen and friends was "ill-advised" and an "error of judgement".

However, he also said he accepted that the Taoiseach's actions were "neither dishonest nor corrupt".

Speaking in the Dáil this morning, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said Mr McDowell was proposing amendments to ethics legislation that would ensure government ministers could not receive interest-free loans.

However, he said the minister now seemed to be taking it upon himself to decide whether such payments are right or wrong.

"Your determination of the Taoiseach's action as being an honest error of judgement is simply incredible in your capacity as Minister for Justice and as Tánaiste," he said.

Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte, meanwhile, said it appeared the PDs were only defending Mr Ahern in order to keep the current government in power.

However, Mr McDowell defended his actions and said the PDs were elected to power and would be discharging that mandate "so that the Irish people get the kind of government they need and deserve".