Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Leas-Cheann Comhairle was not here for the portion of the debate to which I am going to refer. So much of the discussion tonight has not been about the substance of the amendments. So much of it has been about certain accusations being made by members of the Opposition. I suggest they refer those to the Standards in Public Office Commission, SIPO, to the Garda or to whatever forum they believe appropriate.

I am going to speak about the amendment. I will be guided by the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, because as a new Member of the House I am unfamiliar as to what happens in these circumstances, but I am deeply uncomfortable with the contribution of Deputy Ó Broin who said there were question marks over me. He alluded that I had benefited in some way financially from activities that were inappropriate. As a Member, I do not know how to respond to that because if I do that in this forum, we will get into a debate about everybody's SIPO returns. I am quite happy to comment on my SIPO in an appropriate forum. However, my worry is that my good name has been taken by Deputy Ó Broin and I wish to have that dealt with in a fair way in the Chamber. I do not know the procedure, so I am asking the Leas-Cheann Comhairle. Given that we are debating amendments, if she rules me out of order I will accept that but, as a new Member, a very significant charge has been put before me in the House that is deeply unfair-----

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