Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the matter of Coillte and the Irish Strategic Forestry Fund, I am aware it is of concern up and down the country. I have heard what farmers, the Irish Wildlife Trust and others have to say about it and I am sure we can make time available through the Business Committee, whether here in the Chamber or in the relevant committee, to discuss this matter. I confirm it was not signed off by Cabinet. Coillte is a State-owned enterprise and its board makes its own decisions. There was no memo for information to Cabinet at any point.

Deputy English has resigned as a Minister of State. There is no requirement for him to make a statement, as I understand it. Ministers who have resigned in this Dáil have not made statements. It is at their discretion to do so and there is no requirement that Deputy English do so.

As to the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, the Ceann Comhairle's proposal is a reasonable one. The Minister will make an opening statement, the different parties' representatives can then make statements and ask questions and he will respond to the questions at the end of that. I do not think we should turn this Chamber-----

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