Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I am well aware of the constitutional situation and I am well aware that the Dáil cannot force a Member out in circumstances such as this. However, a motion of censure makes it very clear the unanimous position of the Dáil with regard to the behaviour of Deputy Lowry as outlined by the Moriarty tribunal. It is as simple as that. This is about the Dáil making a statement in as concrete and determined a fashion as possible for it about the behaviour of Deputy Lowry, as found by the Moriarty tribunal. The Taoiseach has been on notice since the publication of the findings of the Moriarty tribunal that a motion of this kind could come before the House. It is not good enough that the Taoiseach would come into the House and say he will consider the wording and so on. He knows well what a motion of censure would entail and what the content of such a motion would be. As the Taoiseach said, the House has had similar motions of censure in the past which he pursued in a vigorous and energetic manner. Why has he a problem now? I read the Taoiseach's contribution last night and I note an ambivalence and an equivocation in the contribution with regard to Deputy Lowry and also with regard to the findings of the Moriarty tribunal. It is extraordinary that he has not yet said in this House that he accepts the findings of fact of the Moriarty tribunal. Does he accept the findings of fact as outlined by Mr. Justice Moriarty in his report?

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