Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

I was surprised when I got a slot in which to speak today. I knew a number of my Labour Party colleagues were keen to speak and, therefore, I assumed it would be next week or even the following week before I would get a chance to speak. I then discovered that nobody on the Government side was offering to speak at all. This seems extraordinary. This is the most important issue that has faced the country in at least 20 years and this is probably one of the most important sessions in which Members can give their views on the banking catastrophe that has befallen the country, yet nobody on the Government side is offering to speak. Strangely, very few from the Fine Gael benches have been offering to speak. That is extraordinary.

The week before last, when this issue arose, we discussed on the Order of Business the need for adequate time to be allowed to discuss the Minister's statement. The Labour Party had at that time to battle to get any concession from the Taoiseach in regard to the provision of a decent amount of time for statements. The Taoiseach in agreeing to this also agreed that time would be allowed, in the usual manner - I recall that was his precise comment - for questions and answers on the conclusion of statements.

Before I continue, will the representative of the Government, Minister of State, Deputy White, confirm that this remains the position? Will she confirm that there will be an opportunity for questions and answers on the conclusion of statements? I would like clarification on that matter.

See this speech in context