Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is not agreed. First, the obvious farce of a Minister who has recused himself from SIPO responsibilities presenting to answer questions on SIPO tomorrow is self-evident and it points to the seriousness of the situation in respect of the Minister, Deputy Donohoe. I raise the issue in that regard on "statements", it seems: a statement from the Minister followed by statements or reaction from other parties or groups. That is not satisfactory. What is required is for the Minister to present himself, set out his case and then take questions and answer questions from the Opposition parties and groups.

We must insist that that is the form this exchange takes.

I also raise the issue of former Minister of State, Deputy Damien English. We have not yet had any word of when Deputy English will present himself, make a statement and take questions from the Opposition. The idea that a choreographed statement from the Minister would suffice is utterly unacceptable.

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