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

This is a fundamental issue, given that the House and its Members are being challenged with respect to their work, along with the concept of the House being in charge of itself under the Constitution and the separation of powers. The issue is very serious and merits debate and contributions from Members of the House.

I say that sincerely. In my lifetime I have not come across such a substantive attempt to change the order. When I say "change the order", I mean in terms of the pre-eminence of Parliament in the conduct of its own affairs. This is fundamental to our Constitution, to freedom of speech and to independent thought in our society, and I have serious concerns about what is transpiring. It seems that at the very least we should facilitate a debate in the House to allow Members to make a contribution to it. The Taoiseach might also clarify why he is not holding a debate on No. 13, regarding the banking inquiry.

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