Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)

I understand that the Government is crisis-driven by the decision in the court this morning, but what is new? It has been crisis-driven since 2007. However, it was not unknown to the Government that priority questions were submitted to the Ceann Comhairle's office this morning. It was known that a debate would take place here this afternoon and there is an expectation that the line Minister should be in the House as well. The Government was aware yesterday that a ruling would be made on this matter this morning. It is no excuse to say that the Government did not know the position at lunchtime today because it was waiting on the ruling. There should have been a prepared position, and I believe there was, one way or another. Since the vacancies were created we have witnessed a contempt for the public. Now the Government may be in contempt of court. The Minister of State should note that it is not simply a matter of Donegal and the case dealt with by Mr. Justice Kearns, which is being debated here this afternoon. There are three further vacancies and a fourth vacancy created by the resignation of the former Deputy, Jim McDaid, yesterday. Will the Government bring forward all four by-elections into one day? Will the filling of the vacancy created by Mr. McDaid also be held on the same day?

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