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

No. I am somewhat taken aback by the lack of notice to the leaders of the Opposition regarding the Government proposal in relation to the debate on the terms of reference of the commission of investigation into a whole range of issues, particularly the recording of phone conversations in Garda stations, the Sophie Toscan du Plantier case and so on.

Last week, we inquired as to who, specifically, would be taking this debate and we were told it would be taken by the Minister for Justice and Equality and the spokespersons. It is only in the last hour that we have been told by the Whip's office that the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the leaders of the Opposition parties will be discussing the motion. This is shockingly short notice to give to the leaders of the Opposition. Perhaps the Taoiseach would provide an explanation to the House as to the reason we were told a week ago this debate would be taken by the Minister, Deputy Shatter, and the spokespersons, in respect of which preparations have been made, and why only in the past hour we were alerted to the fact that he and the Tánaiste would be taking it.

See this speech in context