Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle) | Oireachtas source

Before moving to Leaders Questions, I wish to make a personal explanation under Standing Order 44. I refer to my decision last week that the motion to set up a commission of investigation should be taken without debate. This decision was taken by me after consulting with officials and the parliamentary legal service. Unfortunately, I was absent on official business in Prague when the motion was taken in the House and I was, therefore, unable to give a personal explanation for my decision.

I wish to assure the House that at no time did I come under any pressure from anybody in arriving at my decision. I fully respect that those who took the opposite view to mine were perfectly entitled to do so. I also accept that the wording of Standing Order 57 could be interpreted in different ways and, for that reason, I intend to ask my colleagues on the Committee on Procedure and Privileges to meet with me to examine the possibility of making changes to ensure greater clarity in the wording of the order.

Finally, I refer to the radio interview on Friday last, in the final part of which I was asked if I felt the Opposition was "out to undermine" me. In the heat of the moment I replied: "Of course they are." However, on reflection, I accept that this is not the case and I am happy to withdraw the comments I made on the programme.

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