Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Before I invite the Minister of State to respond to the comments made, I must state that, as Chairman, I find it very discomforting that as part of the preparations for today's meeting, which is the first sitting of the select committee in the Dáil Chamber, two parties could have advised me of the situation but did not do so. With respect, I am disappointed that I have only learned of it literally on taking my seat to conduct the business of the meeting. I am equally discomforted by the Department's lack of communication. The Minister of State has acknowledged that he did not have prior knowledge of the matter. Was that also the case with the Tánaiste? I cannot read every detail of newspaper reports on matters of this nature; no member can. We rely, irrespective of whether we are in government or in opposition, on those who have such oversight. I look to the Department for guidance on such matters. It is most irregular that we have been placed in this invidious position. I ask the Minister of State to accept this and I would appreciate his response. If there is an explanation for the situation, it is hardly the case that the entire Department of Justice and Equality and all involved in the preparation of the Courts Bill would be unaware of the developments to which Deputy O'Callaghan referred.