Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Former taoisigh always answered questions on upcoming European Union Presidencies. I will give a further example if I may. I also tabled a question asking if the Taoiseach was aware of the reservations conveyed to the Minister for Justice and Equality by Mr. Justice Smithwick about the implications of the Government's intentions to amend the terms of reference of the Smithwick tribunal when he answered questions on the Dáil on this matter on 1 June. That question was transferred to the Minister for Justice and Equality. The Minister had been asked a series of questions by his Opposition counterpart and others. I was asking the Taoiseach if he was aware, because this was a decision of the Government as a whole and he had accountability and responsibility to this House on the question.

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