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

Can I just ask, in that spirit, whatever about the Business Committee, and there is clearly a problem that needs to be addressed, I am not raising the issue of the Business Committee. I want to know where the Taoiseach is. Yesterday, he said he would be getting straight to work, that he would be moving mountains, and there was no challenge too great. We are here today, we have shown up to do our jobs, we have shown up for work, and where is the Taoiseach? He ought to be here taking questions and dealing with the issues that matter to the people. With the greatest respect, the Business Committee is not top of the list of priorities. Housing is; the hospital crisis is; the cost-of living crisis is; and the fodder crisis is. We have a right to expect the Taoiseach to be here. He is now in his post. We have had two weeks of recess. He has had plenty of time to prepare himself but he is not here today. To me, as an elected Member of this House, that is entirely unacceptable. It shows again the utter contempt of this failed Government for us and for the people we represent.

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