Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

When she referred her special report, the Ombudsman did not do so with the expectation that we would merely comment on her findings. She definitely expected we would collectively consider her report. That is the critical difference. What is provided for in the Order of Business is comment and statements. It never results in specific action or inter-exchange. It is critically important we provide a mechanism to allow for collective consideration of the detail of the Ombudsman's report. Accordingly, I support the other Opposition voices and urge all-party agreement that the Ombudsman's report on the lost at sea scheme be addressed in full session by the relevant committee of the Houses of the Oireachtas. That is the appropriate place to which it should be sent. We should reserve the opportunity to address the deliberations of the committee in the Chamber when it reports back. I hope we have agreement and that the Tánaiste will signal an acceptance of that proposition on behalf of the Government.

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