Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The announcement on business on Monday next was made during Easter Week. Clearly, the Minister of State was extremely busy at the time. We welcome the holding of the special session in the Dáil. The programme for Government states a Europe Day debate will be held and I welcome the fact that European parliamentarians and the European Commissioner will have an opportunity to speak. However, the specific format of the debate was decided upon without consultation with the Opposition Whips. That is not right. Before the end of the week consultations should take place between the Government Chief Whip and Opposition Whips on the format to be used. We have been involved in these European issues. However, the format of the debate will impact on how we do business in the House. The programme for Government states there will be cross-party negotiations on the format of the debate.

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