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

There is one procedural matter. I would point out to the Tánaiste that on Thursday last an e-mail was sent to the Whips requesting nominations for the position of Leas-Cheann Comhairle and that they were to be submitted by the close of business on Friday last. Parties were invited to send in their nominations. It was said that this had to be done so that a motion would be put to the House tomorrow, 19 May. On Monday, we learned that the Government Whips contacted the Office of the Clerk of the Dáil to advise that the motion would not now come before the House on 19 May, even though three nominations were submitted before the deadline on Friday last.

Will the Tánaiste clarify what has occasioned the change of mind? There was a big rush on Thursday to get the names in before Friday. That happened. Some parties submitted names. Then on Monday, unbeknownst to anybody, there was a communication to the Ceann Comhairle's office to the effect that the vote would not be taken this week. It is surprising.I would appreciate it if the Tánaiste gave some rationale as to why it is the Government's intention not to hold the vote tomorrow.

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