Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

At some point this evening we are likely to be presented with what I believe will probably be one of the most significant Bills ever presented in this Dáil or any previous Dáil. The matters to be addressed by the legislation yet to present are of the gravest concern to all citizens. This morning, the Minister for Finance made the claim on "Morning Ireland" that briefings had taken place with all the Opposition parties, but again, not for the first time, there has been no briefing of the Sinn Féin Members in this House. Despite repeated contact throughout the day, we have still received no briefing.

I say to the Chief Whip that this is an absolute disgrace. It is imperative that every Deputy is fully apprised of the import, outworking and intended impact of the legislation to be presented to this House. It is of huge importance and, as I said, is likely to be one of the most significant pieces of legislation to be presented to the Dáil in its history. We have a situation where not only do we not have sight of the legislation concerned or the detail in any shape or form, but the Minister's claims on the national airwaves of having briefed all the Opposition voices are not true. This is a huge deficiency.

I have heard colleagues from other parties speak about the impossible position they find themselves in, but it is an even more impossible position we find ourselves in. We take our responsibilities seriously and we must address this matter in the serious way that it deserves and calls for. We cannot do this in a total vacuum of information, where insult is heaped upon insult without even the return of calls placed throughout this day. This is not the way to do business. It is not the way to carry on a relationship with Opposition voices when we collectively, Government and Opposition, have a serious financial crisis to address. We all have a role and a responsibility in addressing same.

I ask the Chief Whip to convey my grave annoyance at this failure to communicate and the false claim of the Minister that there has been a briefing with all the Opposition parties, which is clearly not the case. We have much to say and many questions to ask, but we are prepared to address this matter constructively and responsibly in the face of the crisis that currently presents. I ask the Government to ensure that the necessary information is shared with all voices in this House and that the legislation is presented in adequate time to address it over whatever number of hours ahead. Is it indeed the case that there is a deadline to conclude this business by midnight? Will the Minister of State please advise the House and give us clarity on that point at least?

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