Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

The Government is trying to dodge artfully a number of key debates. First, an ex-Fianna Fáil Senator is meant to be appointed to SIPO despite being a former lobbyist for the National Association of General Practitioners, NAGP, and despite the fact that SIPO has been asked to adjudicate on the Tánaiste's leaking of confidential documents to the NAGP. That is bizarre, incredible and not on.

Second, the controversy about the judge has been kicked back to the Judiciary. That is fair enough, but there are political issues surrounding this appointment. The Taoiseach knows that. Why is the Minister for Justice not being asked to come in to the House to make a statement and to answer questions about those political appointments, which everyone knows about should not be allowed?

Finally, a motion on €19 million in funding for the greyhound industry is to be passed without debate. We are not going to agree to that. The Order of Business for today needs to be seriously looked at.

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