Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is important we reiterate the facts around this. At the Business Committee last Thursday, Sinn Féin proposed a motion on social protection and was very clear and explicit about that.

It then allowed the Dáil to adjourn - to reconvene at 2 p.m. today, Tuesday - without informing or giving notice to all colleagues and other parties that it was intending to table a motion of no confidence. Those are the facts. Sinn Féin slipped the motion of no confidence in at the last minute, knowing that this would necessitate a change of location and in how the business would be transacted today. Standing Order 80, which we have all supported and voted for, is very clear that divisions on such matters must be taken immediately and cannot be deferred. That is the factual position under Standing Orders, and it is important that we speak about the facts. Because Sinn Féin tabled a motion of no confidence after the Business Committee had gone through its normal course of work on Thursday last, that has necessitated us being here today. We need to stop the game-playing and be clear on the facts.

I also wish to respond to Deputy Mattie McGrath on speaking time. We are putting forward a motion of confidence, which is standard practice for Governments. When a motion of no confidence is tabled, the Government will table a motion of confidence in the particular Member involved. The speaking arrangements that are outlined are underpinned in what the Dáil voted on in July in the context of such arrangements.

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