John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)

In anticipation of Leaders' Questions, including questions on the Taoiseach's appearance before the Mahon tribunal, it is enshrined in the Constitution that the Government is accountable to the Dáil. Standing Orders reflect this constitutional provision. However, it must be recognised that the House has set up a tribunal of inquiry to inquire into certain matters. In respect of those particular functions, there has been a delegation of sorts to the tribunal, for the time being, which must, in turn, report to the House. To that extent, the accountability provision is fulfilled.

However, we must be realistic. I understand that in the political domain there may be a wish by the party leaders to question the Taoiseach on the Mahon tribunal. Therefore, it would be nonsensical of me to refuse that political imperative. It would be equally remiss of me not to remind the House that certain functions have been delegated to the tribunal of inquiry. When addressing questions to the Taoiseach on this matter, it should be in everyone's mind that the tribunal has been asked to look into certain specific matters. It would not be right for any Member, or Members, to seek, during the course of questions, to replicate the functions of the tribunal or to seek to establish the truth or untruth of given allegations of misconduct.

See this speech in context