Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy should resume his seat for a moment. I received a letter by fax this morning from the Chief Whip's office telling me that the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, wished to make a statement on the resignation of the Minister of State, Deputy Róisín Shortall. I checked the Standing Order which says that a short reply may be made by party spokespersons. Out of courtesy, I asked my office to indicate to the parties that given the circumstances I would allow a short statement. That is what I understood Deputy Michael McGrath was doing.

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