Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I do not want to be obstructive and I am sure I will have the support of the Minister for Finance or the Office of the Ceann Comhairle for what I propose. I made the point this morning that the subject of the statements is part of the national crisis in which we are now caught, and that it is important that Members of every party and none will have the opportunity to have their say during the contribution period. That may well mean the debate may have to drift on until Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.

Deputy English made a point on the Order of Business that is relevant and which the Minister understands. The Minister answered many questions or tried to do so as best he could at the press conference this morning in Government Buildings. Before the weekend, it is important that the Minister for Finance be able to answer questions Deputies have on today's events to this point. The tradition in the House has always been to wait until the conclusion of a debate and that the Minister responsible would then answers questions. That is what is envisaged in the announcement of the Whip. That could be Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.

Would it be possible for the Ceann Comhairle, during the taking of ordinary questions by the Minister today, to allow Members some flexibility to drift into the events of today rather than waiting until the conclusion of the debate next Tuesday or Wednesday? If the Ceann Comhairle could allow this, with the consent of the Minister - he appears to be willing - Deputies who may have questions to ask today will be able to ask them, thus allowing us to surmount this little problem.

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