Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I do not want to deliberate too long on this matter but it is incorrect to say that Dáil Éireann cannot express its belief that a Deputy's behaviour merits his or her resignation from the House. On previous occasions in 2001 and 2002, this House passed motions stating that a Deputy's behaviour merited his resignation. Those motions were in respect of the late Deputy, Liam Lawlor, and they were introduced during Government time on both occasions. The Taoiseach had no difficulty in supporting those motions as leader of Fine Gael. We clearly cannot compel a resignation but we can express our belief there should be one. I understand that the Whips are meeting later today. I do not think it will be possible to debate a motion today because of the statements and questions allowed for under the Order of Business but we could agree on the allocation of Government time to debate it and if it has to be early next week, we would settle for that. Will the Government make time available for a debate and a vote on that?

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