THE Taoiseach refused to be drawn on a possible official inquiry into alleged abuses in Goldenbridge orphanage.

The matter was raised on the Order of Business by the PD leader, Ms Mary Harney, who asked Mr Bruton if he accepted it was not good enough that the only inquiry being carried out was by RTE. "Can I ask the Taoiseach if there is an official inquiry into this matter?" she asked.

Mr Bruton said the matter was not appropriate to the Order of Business, given that it provided only for replies relating to promised legislation. "There is no promised legislation that I am aware of on the matter."