Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

This is treating the House with contempt. While I do not wish to cut across the point being raised by Deputy Bruton, there is a point of order involved. How can the Tánaiste state there will be a time in the future for elected Deputies to ascertain what is proposed, having arranged for the document to be circulated to the media and people outside this House? For example, there has not even been a statement that the document will be placed in the Oireachtas Library in order to facilitate those who will participate in the debate later today. This is treating the House with contempt. It is an issue of order and I ask the Ceann Comhairle to defend the rights of Members.

I had an opportunity of exercising my rights, and speaking for ten minutes yesterday. However, Members are entitled to make their speech taking account of what is available by way of actions by the Government and circulating a document to the media is an action of Government.

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