Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will begin by outlining a number of questions the Minister needs to answer today, and I request that she do that. She indicated last night that her party’s chief of staff had informed the chiefs of staff of the other Government party leaders of the information that had come to light last Thursday. At that time, did the chief of staff of the Minister’s party know her confidence in the then chairperson had been eroded to the point where she could not express confidence in her, and if so, was this conveyed to the three Government party leaders? The Minister, Deputy Donohoe, has indicated they did not know, but their chiefs of staff did know, as the Minister, Deputy Martin, confirmed to me last night.

We may not agree on Government or party politics, but the three leaders have 74 years of experience in politics between them. Did the Minister not consider it worthwhile to talk to them and seek advice? When her advisers informed "Prime Time" of the information that was to be leaked, had the Minister discussed with her advisers her inability to express confidence in the chair before she went live on television? Had she told anyone, prior to entering the "Prime Time" studio, that she did not believe she could express confidence in the chair if asked, or was Miriam O'Callaghan the first person to ask the Minister whether she had confidence and was this done live on national television for the first time? Did the Minister make a split decision live on air without seeking advice from anyone else? It is unbelievable. I watched the interview live last Thursday night. It amounted to a sacking live on air. That a Minister would put such little thought into a sacking live on air is unbelievable. She should have put more thought into it, so her judgment has to be called into question.

The Minister stated that two reports are coming in March and that she will make a decision, but she has been in office for four years and she has the Report of the Future of Media Commission on her desk. When will we see the abolition of the TV licence and a proper, sustainable funding model for RTÉ, TG4 and other public service broadcasters? We need answers now.

See this speech in context