Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I also wish to raise the issue of the Morris tribunal report. Publication of that report yesterday on the day when the Government was being formed was an act of political cynicism. It reminded me of the press officer in the UK who circulated a memorandum on 11 September 2001 suggesting to Ministers if they had any bad news to release, it would be a good day to do so. I heard the explanation of the Minister for Finance this morning. While I accept yesterday was the final day, there was nothing to prevent the publication of that report earlier than yesterday. The publication at lunchtime on the day the Government was being formed was clearly a well news-managed event. It does not behove any new practices on the part of the Government.

I ask about the arrangements for a debate on it. This is a report with very serious conclusions. I ask the Tánaiste whether that debate will take place next week. I understand a Whips' meeting is to take place immediately after the Order of Business, so I presume the Government has already decided the business the House will deal with next week. Will the debate on the Morris tribunal report take place next week?

As I am on the subject of news management, I did not want to raise this matter in this forum yesterday because it was a feel-good day around here. However, I want to protest very strongly at the disrespect the Government showed for this House yesterday. The Taoiseach was asked to extend the time for the debate on the formation of Government merely by an hour. In a very arrogant way he refused to do so. It was clear what was going on.

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