Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. Before I ask the Taoiseach to respond, yesterday I received a request from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe, under Standing Order 55, to make a statement to the House. As has been set out already, the provision is a matter for my discretion. I decided I would facilitate the making of a statement. It is further at my discretion as to whether Opposition parties' spokespersons could also make statements. I agreed they should. In light of what I am hearing, we might augment the proposal a little later by asking the Minister if he would respond at the end of the contributions-----

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