Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I agree with the Taoiseach that no Deputy would want to force another Member of the House to make a personal statement if he or she does not want to do so. I accept that there is a contradiction in a Member being quite happy to make several statements outside the House but not being willing to address the House at all for whatever reason. There is no compulsion on Deputy Callely or any other Member to make a personal statement in the House. There are issues surrounding the resignation of the former Minister of State which are important in terms of the functioning of the Government. The central issue about which I am concerned is the claim by the Minister, Deputy Martin, that he was not aware of the nursing homes issue.

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