Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

On the same issue, I made repeated requests that this document would be made available to the Members of this House in advance of the commencement of the statements on the economy yesterday. The finance spokespersons, those entrusted with the lead positions on these issues in each Opposition parties' case, have now made their contributions in advance of any sight of the detail as presented. Having had the document as presented in The Irish Times this morning, I cannot for the life of me understand why there was such resistance on the part of the Taoiseach in releasing this to the other parties in this House. It just defies understanding and, with respect, it indicates a real contempt for other parties and views in this Chamber. We all have repeatedly indicated a collective responsibility to assist Government to address the current difficulties and we cannot do it with this continual effort on the part of Government to blindfold and to——

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