Enda Kenny
Ceist:134 Mr. Kenny asked the Taoiseach the nature of the agreement or understanding between the Government and Deputies Healy-Rae, Fox and Blaney; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18606/03]
Vol. 570 No. 2
134 Mr. Kenny asked the Taoiseach the nature of the agreement or understanding between the Government and Deputies Healy-Rae, Fox and Blaney; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18606/03]
Both Deputies Healy-Rae and Fox offered invaluable support to the previous Fianna Fáil and Progressive Democrats Government. In this context too, I want to refer to the support given to the previous Administration, which I was privileged to lead, by the Independent Fianna Fáil organisation in the constituency of Donegal North-East represented in the 28th Dáil by Harry Blaney and in the current Dáil by Deputy Niall Blaney.
While in regard to the current Administration, the support of Deputies Healy-Rae, Fox and Blaney is not as critical to the Government's majority, given the support they have provided in the past, I have tried and will continue to try to be as helpful as possible to these Deputies.
A staff member in my office assists the Government Chief Whip's office in its work in liaising with these Deputies. This official meets these Deputies on a regular basis and arranges to keep them briefed on issues as they arise. In addition, each week Deputy Gregory is invited to the Whips' meetings, which he regularly attends.