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

The Taoiseach has his views on the Seanad but, as he knows, it is a key part of the Constitution. He should apologise more fundamentally on those two counts and not, with the greatest respect, in relation to his role as leader of the Fine Gael Party, which suggests a self-absorption by him and his party that defies all logic and credibility. I find it incredible that this is the response we have received.

I understand Mr. McNulty has withdrawn his candidature from the Seanad by-election process. If that is also the Taoiseach's understanding, will he confirm Mr. McNulty's decision? His withdrawal would illustrate more than anything else the debacle into which the Taoiseach and Minister plunged Mr. McNulty and the entire process.

It is always a worry when people cannot answer straight questions in a simple manner or avoid answering questions for days, as we saw last week. I asked why someone would be appointed to the board of IMMA if that person could serve only two weeks on that board. Mr. McNulty was clearly not in a position to serve the board in any meaningful way. Why did that happen?

I also asked the Taoiseach whether he asked the Minister to appoint Mr. McNulty or suggested to someone else that he or she suggest to the Minister that she appoint Mr. McNulty, or whether someone in the Fine Gael Party asked the Minister to appoint Mr. McNulty. Will the Taoiseach give me an answer to those questions? Where was the catalyst in this matter? Who asked the Minister to appoint Mr. McNulty given that, as was clear from the Minister's speech in the Seanad last week, Mr. McNulty did not apply for the job? In addition, he did not have any particular qualifications in the visual arts, contemporary modern art or anything like that which made him suitable.

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