Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)

I will amend my comments to state that the comments made by the Taoiseach to my understanding are inaccurate when he states that it is a matter for the Dáil because what we are witnessing in here this evening is that it is actually a matter decided by Government.

Deputy Hogan is a far taller man than me. As someone of smaller stature, I grew up with the notion that if one went into the school yard, one took on those bigger rather than smaller than you. I will get to Fianna Fáil in a moment. Sometimes when there is a smaller rascal annoying you, you must address them as well, and that has been the approach of the Green Party in the Chamber this evening.

The Minister spoke of flexibility in his speech this evening. There is flexibility and there is stretching something beyond credibility, which is what the Minister's speech did. It was a stretch beyond credibility.

We heard a number of red herrings. He took us to Malta and some other regions - anywhere except Donegal, Waterford and Dublin. He was off to Malta, the commission and everywhere else.

He spoke of a situation where elections change Governments. Where I come from, elections are all about the establishment and changing of Governments. Even in this country, not so long ago a Government changed because of two by-elections in Cork city.

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