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

We must have honesty, frankness, less obfuscation and less clouding of the truth. All we seek is the truth. I propose, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that at 5 p.m. other business be suspended to provide for statements on and questions concerning the nomination by the Government of the former Attorney General, Máire Whelan, to serve in the Court of Appeal. The order of speakers would be as follows: the Taoiseach and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation who would speak for 15 minutes each to explain the full details of the procedures applied in considering the nomination, including ensuring a fair process for other applicants and the content and intent of section 18 of the Courts and Court Officers Act 1995; and representatives of other parties and groups who would speak for 15 minutes. Following the conclusion of statements the Taoiseach and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation would answer questions for a further 45 minutes. At the conclusion of questions the House would vote on motions to refer the matter to the Select Committee on Justice and Equality.

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