Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On the long and growing list of abandoned promises made by Fine Gael and the Labour Party, the promise to reform politics has a prominent place. This is a Government that promised a "democratic revolution" but has worked to deny even basic accountability of Ministers to Dáil Éireann. This debate is a further example of a persistent trend towards marginalising the Dáil. It was promised as a detailed discussion, first of the programme for Government, then of a specific programme of priorities, with the Government pledging to listen and take on board suggestions. When announced it was hailed by the Taoiseach and the Chief Whip as a huge innovation. Instead, what we have got is an empty and cynical vehicle for self-congratulatory speeches. This is a fitting way of marking the third anniversary of a Government that is deeply obsessed with trying to spin everything. The difference between the rhetoric and the reality is growing all the time. We are being asked to debate priorities that have not been set out and circulated. There is discussion about what the priorities might be; they are to be whatever the Government has already decided.

Between now and Thursday evening the only vote before the House will be on Fianna Fáil's legislation to protect mortgage holders. This will be voted down by the Government with no real engagement with the issue being raised.

See this speech in context