I wish to draw the attention of the Ceann Comhairle to a false, foul, slanderous statement which was made last night by Deputy Killilea just before the adjournment of the House. He stated that I accepted a bribe of £100 from a person whom I appointed as paymaster to the Special Employment Schemes Office. As my personal honour, my honour as a Parliamentary Secretary, and my honour as a public representative of the people for the past 33 years is at stake, I wish to ask the Chair what redress I have.
Withdrawal of Accusation.
I have here before me the Official Report and, just before the Adjournment, the Official Report says:
"Mr. Killilea: He has given you £100 for giving him the job."
The Deputy states that what he actually said was: "Has he given you £100 for giving him the job?" I do not see much difference. The Deputy will, therefore, withdraw these words without any qualification.
I suppose I have no alternative but to withdraw them.
Ho, ho!
I should like to know how much he did give you.
Is that observation which Deputy Killilea has just made—"I should like to know how much he did give you"—a repetition?
That is the rumour that is in my constituency.
Will the Deputy withdraw the words without qualification?
All right.