Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

A Cheann Comhairle, I did not want to bring this issue onto the floor of the House. That is why I suggested the course of action that unfortunately has not been accepted, namely, that the leaders of the political parties would meet, discuss the matter and agree a course of action on a cross-party basis.

I do not agree that the appropriate forum is the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission. It is essentially an in-house committee which deals with the administration of the House. It meets in private. It is not a political body in the sense that there is political accountability to it. The Ceann Comhairle is elected by the Members of this House and therefore it is a matter for the House, for Dáil Éireann itself, to deal with.

A Cheann Comhairle, I regret to say this but I consider that your position is no longer tenable. I think you will either have to resign or be removed from office. Following the Order of Business today it is my intention to meet with my colleagues in the Labour Parliamentary Party and to recommend to them the tabling of a confidence motion.

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