Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

There was a coup in Sinn Féin when they got rid of poor Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and put him to the side benches. I can assure Deputy Adams there has been no coup. The Taoiseach is not afraid to answer any question.

Deputy Adams may be able to understand what I am saying if I say it slowly. The question tabled by Deputy Adams falls under the remit of the Chief Whip. It refers to Government accountability and Dáil reform. If he had asked about the accountability of the Taoiseach then the Taoiseach might be here replying to that question. The Deputy asked about holding the Government to account. That relates to Dáil reform proposals, which is exactly what we are talking about this morning. It is unfortunate that we have been here for the past 35 or 40 minutes and Deputy Adams has not put forward a single practical suggestion as to how to reform the Dáil or hold the Government to account. It is unfortunate that Deputy Adams is missing out on a debate we could have because he is more interested in talking about the Taoiseach not being here and about this, that and the other. I would rather have a proper debate on Dáil reform.

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