Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

Before calling on Deputy Shatter to move the motion, I will make a brief statement for the guidance of Members. The motion makes specific reference to matters that were the subject of criminal proceedings and in regard to which further proceedings are expected. I remind Members that, under Standing Order 56, a matter should not be raised in an overt manner such that it appears to be an attempt by the Oireachtas to encroach on the functions of the court or a judicial tribunal, and that when permission to raise a matter has been granted, there will continue to be an onus on Members to avoid, if at all possible, comment which might in effect prejudice the outcome of proceedings. I ask Members to bear these points in mind when making their contributions.

See this speech in context