"We were already taking necessary actions to mark the occasion"
The chief minister insists issuing an apology - 50 years on - for failings identified in the Summerland fire is being done 'at the right time'.
In a statement to Tynwald, Alfred Cannan said his government will 'acknowledge the inadequacies’ that contributed to the deaths of 50 people in 1973.
The tragedy has been under the spotlight recently, with questions and debates being tabled internationally in UK's House of Commons.
Mr Cannan was asked if it's right MP's were raising the issue:
Former MHK accuses chief minister of 'belittling and demeaning Tynwald' over Assisted Dying Bill
Medical Staff Committee claims vote of no confidence led to leadership changes at Manx Care
Electronic payment cards and vouchers among alternatives to MiCard under consideration
Tuesday sailings changed due to Manxman maintenance
47 buildings in the south waiting for protected status assessment since 2013