Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I join with the Ceann Comhairle in welcoming Dr. Paisley and his good wife to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery of the Dáil. Over the years we have heard the voice of Dr. Paisley on many issues, usually much louder than mine. I might have disagreed with him on many issues but on one I would always agree, and that is the question of the accountability of parliament.

I disagree with these motions and with the Order of Business. It includes a proposal that the House should come together on Wednesday and Thursday of next week without any accountability, any legislation, any questions to a Minister, any Leaders' Questions and any Adjournment debate, at a time when we expect that two major banking reports are to be put into the public domain, at a time when the Taoiseach refuses to come in here on Thursday mornings, at a time when the Government clearly has something to hide or is afraid to return to the House to answer questions-----

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