Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)

I do not want to talk about any cat running across the road, I want to speak about more serious issues than this. With respect, the Minister of State missed the point I am making. I want to know how to get information if the Government makes a commitment not to put one red cent into toxic banks or not to pay unguaranteed bondholders who are not part of any deal. I want to know how to get information on whether I am being misled if the Minister for Health gives statistics to the House which are at least dubious and are challenged by a hospital action group. If a Minister states social welfare will not be cut or if the Taoiseach repeatedly states special needs assistants in schools will be protected, and we all know children with special needs do not have the assistance they require, how will we deal with this? It is a profound issue.

The mark of any republic must be equality for citizens. They are the people who send us here. If all citizens in the republic are to be treated equally how do we ensure this institution works in their interests as opposed to working for vested interests? That is my only concern. With respect, I am not concerned about discussing cats crossing roads. The Minister of State, Deputy Kehoe, sat on the Opposition benches for a long time. Is there some way for Opposition Deputies to get straight answers to straight questions?

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