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

-----and the democratic revolution he promised is like universal health insurance, another illusion and denial of the truth.

The second issue I wish to raise concerns the announcement the Taoiseach made to the House last week on the inquiry into Siteserv, the activities of IBRC and the disposal of assets. Some 11 questions I have submitted on the subject have been ruled out of order. They relate to when the Minister for Finance became aware of issues to do with the inquiry, when the Taoiseach or his Department became aware or were informed of possible delays and, if to his knowledge, there had been objections to information being released. Six or seven of the questions I have submitted relate to the Taoiseach's responsibilities. Incredibly, I have been told by the Ceann Comhairle that the Taoiseach has no official responsibility to Dáil Éireann in these matters, that they are matters for IBRC which is independent in the performance of its functions. I have also been told that the Minister for Finance has no official responsibility to Dáil Éireann in these matters, that they are matters for the commission which is independent in the performance of its functions. I contest this decision and will write to the Office of the Ceann Comhairle about the issue because I do not understand how a simple question about when the Minister for Finance or the Taoiseach became aware of something is not a legitimate one to ask of them. The Taoiseach made a commitment to the House that in the ordering of its business there would be provision for a debate on this issue and that he would consult-----

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