Statement issued by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, on the publication of the Quigley report.
On 21 December last, I asked the former Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners, Mr. Dermot Quigley, to carry out an inquiry into the procurement procedures followed for engaging the services of Ms Monica Leech and/or Monica Leech Communications by the Office of Public Works and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
In drawing up terms of reference for Mr Quigley, care was taken to ensure that nothing would be done to pre-empt any investigation that the Standards in Public Offices Commission might decide to carry out.
The detailed terms of reference were as follows:
· To establish the circumstances in which arrangements were entered into for the engagement of Ms. Monica Leech and/or Monica Leech Communications to provide services to the Office of Public Works and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government since July 1997.
· To examine the procedures adopted by reference to the norms and practice in respect both of public procurement and the division of functions and responsibilities between Ministers and civil servant Departmental heads.
· To ascertain whether the services contracted for differed in any material respect from those provided.
· To make a report of findings and conclusions in relation to these matters and, arising from them, to make recommendations, if appropriate, in relation to any changes in practice which may be desirable."
I received the report from Mr. Quigley on Monday afternoon. I would like to record my appreciation for the professional and expeditious manner in which he prepared and presented the report to me. It was a difficult assignment, especially in view of the sensitivity of the issues and the intense media interest. The fact that he managed to produce the report in such a short period of time is a credit to his dedication.
Copies of the above Report have been sent to the Leaders of the Opposition Parties in the Dáil and have also made available in the Oireachtas Library.
I have noted the main findings in the Report that the procurement of Mrs Leech's services was broadly in line with the norms and practice for procurement as reflected in the operative guidelines.
I am satisfied that there is nothing in the Report to suggest that Minister Cullen acted inappropriately in relation to the matter.
I have directed that arrangements be made to implement, as appropriate, the recommendations made by Mr Quigley in the Report (see attached).
27 January 2005