Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Leas-Cheann Comhairle is a super-sub.

Deputies and the citizens we represent have been listening to media speculation since late afternoon that a deal on the promissory note was imminent. Here we are at 1.30 a.m. and we have not been told anything by the Government about this issue. The most revealing part of the Minister's contribution was the following statement:

I would have preferred to be introducing this Bill in tandem with a finalised agreement with the European Central Bank. However, I understand the European Central Bank will continue to consider the proposals made by the Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, with the agreement of the Government, tomorrow.

Why can the Dáil and the people not be told what these proposals are? Why can this Bill not be brought forward in tandem with that finalised agreement tomorrow? Instead, we are presented with legislation in a vacuum. We did not even receive it until 10.30 p.m., our finance spokespersons did not receive proper briefings and the European Central Bank has made no statement. The Bill is but one half of a package and the Dáil is being denied the right to see the other half. We cannot even table amendments to the Bill. This is the Government that promised to operate in a different way. Deputies are denied the right to speak on this issue. This is not the way-----

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