Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is part of the dilemma. Deputy McDonald described it as a huge error. The Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, made a genuine attempt to deal with this matter because it is so important.

It is also important to say that the Act that sets these up requires the order to be laid before the House and the terms of reference to be separate. The terms of reference are approved by the Cabinet, that is, the Government. They are not voted on by the Dáil. However, it is important, in the light of contributions that have been made, that the Minister of State, having withdrawn the motion to set up the commission of investigation, is prepared to talk to people such as Deputies Howlin, McDonald and Ó Laoghaire and others from the parties opposite in order that the Government can amend the terms of reference to the suitability and acceptance of everybody. It is important for the Deputies to understand that the terms of reference are approved by Government. They can only be amended by Government, and this is the reason the Minister of State has withdrawn the motion. He wants to get it right and he can do so today by consultation with people. The Government can approve those amended terms if the Deputies are satisfied, that is, if that is what it takes. These may be a very small adjustments to satisfy people's demands and legitimate queries.

See this speech in context