Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is not agreed. We were given an Order of Business earlier today and the Taoiseach read out a revised Order of Business, which we received only a moment ago. This is regarding a very important issue, the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes and certain related matters. We have consistently raised these issues with the Taoiseach. Na Teachtaí Ó Caoláin, McLellan and McDonald raised these issues this morning and we put down a comprehensive amendment to the Government's proposition. Did the Government change the Order of Business because it cannot fill the speaking slots? We will fill the slots, as will others here. For how long is it to be adjourned and why is it to be adjourned? It is not a good way to do business to give us the Order of Business and then revise it without any explanation.

The people involved are mostly women, although some men are involved and many of them were children at the time. They are hanging on, waiting for the Government to do the right thing, to fulfil the apology the Taoiseach made here on behalf of the citizens of the State. We strenuously object to the cack-handed way the Taoiseach is dealing with the issue and the way he has revised the Taoiseach's programme without any explanation whatsoever. He did not even explain it when he was on his feet. Sinn Féin is prepared to fill the speaking slots, if that is the problem. I am sure other Teachtaí would be happy to come and speak on the matter.

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