Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Taoiseach will recall that last Tuesday he informed the House that a motion would be presented today to set up a joint committee to examine the position of Judge Brian Curtin. It now appears this motion will be delayed. Will the Taoiseach explain the reasons for this delay? What has happened in recent days to upset the Government's timetable? Also, will he respond to the remarks of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform over the weekend, when he refused to rule out the negotiation of a settlement package for Judge Curtin? On the face of it that appears to contradict the repeated, firm assertions to the contrary by the Taoiseach in the Dáil and elsewhere. In light of those confusing signals, can the Taoiseach confirm that no financial settlement of any kind to Judge Curtin is being contemplated by the Government?

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