Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Given that the current Dáil has, at most, some 12 months remaining, will the Taoiseach indicate the methodology for prioritising legislation? Given the chaos and crisis of the past fortnight and the need to protect children and update the law on sexual offences, will the Government prioritise this area in the immediate future?

How can the Taoiseach explain the fact that we are meeting today and tomorrow, even though nothing on the schedule of business addresses the real and necessary substantive debate that must ensue from last Friday's special sitting? In terms of making priorities, does he not accept that this is an essential issue for us to address and that leadership must be given by the Government, not only in terms of debate on this floor but also with regard to the wider debate and public consultation that must take place to guarantee the best legislation to properly address every situation that could potentially arise in this difficult and complex area?

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