Now that the Committee Stage of the Bill has concluded, perhaps, a Leas-Chathaoirligh, you would allow me to intervene on a point of personal explanation, in reference to certain statements which were made both by myself and the Minister yesterday evening, in regard to the proceedings of the Conference on Agricultural Credit. I felt and do feel very much any animadversions on my conduct which were made quite fairly by the Minister from the point of view which he held. It was never my intention to disclose the proceedings of the conference which were regarded as confidential, and if I did so unwittingly I offer my full apology to the House, to the Minister and to my colleagues on that conference.
I may, however, be permitted to add that, from a certain communication which I received and which I will not specify, I derived the impression that I had permission to make a reference in general terms to the proceedings; and that was all I thought I was doing yesterday evening. I would be the last person in the House to break confidence with either the Minister or my colleagues on the conference, and in view of the proceedings here yesterday evening I feel I should make this statement.
