Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As I said, I welcome that we will have a statement by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform at 5 p.m. I reiterate that there does not seem to be any facility for a response to questions raised by us in opposition. They are valid questions that many of us have already asked the Taoiseach on the floor of this House. There is precedent for having a statement of this nature where there is an opportunity for a response to be provided. I think the Taoiseach provided a response of that sort himself previously in this House and a back-and-forth was enabled. It was far better as a way to clarify outstanding issues. We also need a statement from former Minister of State, Deputy Damien English. We do not see that listed on this week's schedule. It is important to have the opportunity to clarify these issues relating to two Fine Gael Ministers in this House this week.

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