Dáil debates
Wednesday, 14 May 2014
Order of Business
1:25 pm
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is proposed to take No. 4, Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014 - Second Stage (resumed); and No. 10 - motion re: establishment of joint committee of inquiry into the banking crisis.
It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the proceedings in relation to No. 10 shall be taken at 4 p.m. today and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after two hours and five minutes and the following arrangements shall apply: the speech of the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and of the leaders of Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and the Technical Group, or a person nominated in their stead, who shall be called upon in that order, shall not exceed 15 minutes in each case; and such Members may share their time;
the speech of the main spokespersons for Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin, the Technical Group, a representative of others and Deputy Ciarán Lynch, who shall be called upon in that order, shall not exceed ten minutes in each case; and such members may share their time. Private Members’ business shall be No. 146, motion re discretionary medical cards (resumed), to conclude at 9 p.m., if not previously concluded.
Tomorrow’s business after Oral Questions shall be: No. 4, Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014 - Second Stage (resumed).
1:35 pm
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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There is one proposal to be put to the House. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 10 agreed to? Agreed.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Under the programme for Government the Taoiseach has committed to significant reform of the committee system, in particular that the head of any Department or State body would make himself or herself available to committees. I am concerned that the Secretary General of the Department of Justice and Equality wrote to the clerk of the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality to say that he would attend the committee but would not answer any questions on the departure of the former Garda Commissioner. I put it to the Taoiseach that the response flies in the face of the commitment in the programme for Government on the first page of the political reform section to the effect that the chief executive of every State body, agency and Department should go before committees and answer the questions they would be ordinarily asked.
It is fair to say that the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality has specific questions to answer on the circumstances surrounding the departure of the former Garda Commissioner and should be allowed to ask them and the Secretary General should answer them. Will the Taoiseach indicate whether the Secretary General's position is in conformity with the programme for Government and whether he will intervene to ensure the committee is allowed to do its work? Could the Taoiseach also indicate when the universal primary care Act will be introduced?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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In respect of the first question, I note that the Secretary General is attending the committee tomorrow to deal with the issues arising from the Guerin report. Deputy Martin is well aware that because of other matters, a commission of investigation has been set up and an appointment has been made of a Supreme Court judge to deal with a range of matters which include the subject of the first question asked by the Deputy. The sole member has absolute discretion in the work and responsibility he has undertaken. The Secretary General's letter makes that clear. His intention in attending the committee is in accordance with his responsibility as Secretary General. A commission of investigation has been set up for a specific purpose and is running after two weeks. It is an exceptional measure and is not referred to in the programme for Government.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Secretary General should not be precluded from answering questions.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Deputy Martin asked me about the White Paper. The consultation process is now beginning on the White Paper. It will focus on the range of services-----
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I asked about universal primary care.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I will have to come back to the Deputy on the matter which is the responsibility of the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I have two questions, one of which concerns the Government's timetable for its response to the Guerin report. The Taoiseach should have made it clear that the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality will be allowed to do its work. I am disappointed he did not do that in terms of the appearance by the Secretary General of the Department of Justice and Equality. When does the Taoiseach expect to publish the terms of reference for the commission of investigation into those issues identified in the report by Seán Guerin SC? When will the Government bring forward the new legislation to strengthen the operation of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission? When will the Oireachtas have sight of the Government's proposal for an independent Garda authority which is to be up and running by the end of the year? When can we expect details on the process of recruitment by open competition for the new Garda Commissioner.
I also have a question ar ábhar eile. When does the Taoiseach expect the White Paper on energy will be published, following the publication on Monday of the energy policy Green Paper? The Taoiseach might have noted that the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, has raised the possibility of the State building a fourth generation nuclear reactor. Is the Government seriously proposing to build a nuclear reactor?
Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Biomass.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Go raibh maith agat.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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This is a Green Paper which allows everybody to have their say. As Deputy Adams is aware, there is a legal ban-----
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach is saying "No" first.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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-----in Ireland on building nuclear reactors.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach is saying "No" in advance of everybody having their say.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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He is giving the answer first.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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That sums up how the Taoiseach does things.
Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Biomass Pat. He is full of it.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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While the Deputy might like me to say otherwise, the Minister has no intention-----
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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It is a second slap for the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, in two days.
Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Biomass Pat.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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He should get back into his burrow.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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-----of lifting the ban on the building of nuclear reactors in this country.
Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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He is full of it.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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As part of the Green Paper on energy process-----
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I think it is because of the-----
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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-----everybody and anybody is perfectly entitled to have their say.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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But the Taoiseach has made up his mind on it.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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All of the observations that are made will be considered.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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So the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, is going off the rails.
Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Nuclear Pat.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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It is election talk.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy can examine the Green Paper to understand it.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Press the nuclear button.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I hope we can come back to the House before the summer recess with proposals on the structure of an independent statutory Garda authority. It is a tight timeline to get it done before the end of the year but I hope we will have the observations and reflections of Members of the House before the House rises for the summer recess.
There will be a two hour debate tomorrow on the Guerin report, which will continue the week after next. Deputy Adams mentioned a number of other issues.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I inquired about new legislation to strengthen the operation of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, the Government's proposals for an independent Garda authority and details on the process of recruitment. I asked the Taoiseach about the terms of reference for the commission and he talked about the structure of it. They are two different issues.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The process is beginning in respect of the recruitment of the new Garda Commissioner. It will be a national and international open competition. How best to structure that will be devised by the Minister for Justice and Equality and her officials.
The intention is that we hope to have the process concluded and the a Commissioner appointed in or around the same time as the independent statutory authority is put in place. We must consider as part of the Government decision yesterday the amendments that are necessary to strengthen the Office of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. One particular section needs to be looked at and it is possible there will be amendments to other sections. We will consider that. The process is starting for all three. I have given indicative timelines to which I hope we can stick.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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What about the terms of reference of the commission of investigation?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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We need to consider what the commission of investigation needs to look at arising from the Guerin report. I am also discussing with the Minister for Justice and Equality how one deals with all the cases of a historical nature that are coming to light, some going back many years, that are outside the remit of the Guerin report. I am also considering whether we should wait and reflect upon the report by Mr. Justice Cooke in respect of GSOC and have both reports considered together. I do not wish to define terms of reference for the Guerin report until I see what the Minister for Justice and Equality recommends arising from the Guerin report itself, issues of a historical nature that are emerging from many sources and the conclusions of the Cooke report.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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I wish to correct the record in terms of something the Taoiseach said. The Secretary General will not come before the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality tomorrow. It will be next week at the very earliest.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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My apologies.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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I also wish to refer to the commentary of the Taoiseach on the letter from the Secretary General. Quite farcically, the Secretary General states he does not wish to impede the work of the Fennelly commission-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I am sorry to interrupt the Deputy but that is not a matter for the Order of Business.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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The Taoiseach should hear the information because it is clear he is not getting the information.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Mac Lochlainn can talk to him privately.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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There will be a commission of investigation into the Guerin report, yet the Secretary General will come before us to discuss the matter. He will also discuss the handling of correspondence which is being dealt with by the Fennelly commission but he does not wish to talk about the reason the Garda Commissioner resigned or was sacked.
It is outrageous and he needs to-----
1:45 pm
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Does the Deputy have another question?
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Will the Taoiseach address it to make sure that he deals with all the issues?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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He cannot do so on the Order of Business.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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In terms of the issue of the Department of Justice and Equality, the panel of experts will examine the running of the Department and the reason the new Minister will not express confidence in the Secretary General until the review is completed. There is correspondence from Ian Bailey and his solicitors to the Taoiseach and it has cost the taxpayers €40 million to €50 million over 18 years.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy knows this is not in order on the Order of Business.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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The Department of Justice and Equality has serious questions-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I ask the Deputy to please resume his seat.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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-----on how it handled this affair over the past 18 years. Will the Taoiseach deal with this correspondence?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Will the Deputy please resume his seat?
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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A total of €40 million to €50 million has been spent over 18 years, managed by the Department of Justice and Equality which is still defending a civil case in the courts with regard to Ian Bailey and Jules Thomas. Will the Taoiseach deal with this issue as part of the review?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No, he will not deal with it on the Order of Business. It is as simple as that.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Will the Taoiseach correspond with me?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We have to have some order in the House-----
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Will the Taoiseach come back to me on these points?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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-----and when I stand up I expect every Deputy to adhere to the Chair.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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With regard to the Green Paper, White Paper or black paper which the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, cannot see through with regard to the EirGrid Bill, a total of 35,000 people made submissions on their views. Why must the Minister have a commission and a White or Green Paper to cod the people further? I want an answer on this. It is a pity the Minister has gone.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The EirGrid Bill will be next year.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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It is next year every time I ask. It was next year last year.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Next year is still next year.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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The fat lady has not sung but the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, has left the Chamber.
Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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That is a disgraceful comment.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Bill will be next year in 2015.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Sorry?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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2015 is next year.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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I know that, but it was 2013 first then 2014 and now 2015. Will the Government be around to do it?
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister of State, Deputy Kehoe, is very offended.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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He is.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Will Deputy McGrath be around?
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Please God.
Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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It was a disgraceful comment.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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The Taoiseach is a múinteoir scoile himself, and throughout the country national schools are being persecuted and frightened out of existence.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy will have me worn out before he is finished. I have to do this every day.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Gabh mo leithscéal.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I have to do this every day. The Deputy will have me worn out.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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I am asking about two points. One is the EirGrid Bill and the other is about the education (admission to school) Bill. It is promised legislation. The Ceann Comhairle has given me a Topical Issues matter to raise and I am very thankful for it so I will mind myself today. When will the education (admission to school) Bill be implemented?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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This session.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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It is all a big session as far as the Taoiseach is concerned but nothing is happening.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Is it that the Deputy means it is a big session?
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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That is what the Taoiseach thinks.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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An insurance Bill is proposed to provide for the continuing regulation and supervision of the insurance industry and reinsurance having regard to past experience in this area. Is it intended to bring the Bill to the House, has it been discussed in Cabinet and when is it likely to come before the House? In respect of the Seanad electoral (university members) (amendment) Bill, which is important legislation to extend and implement the 1979 amendment to the Constitution on the Seanad university franchise, what is the present location of this particular legislation? When is it likely to be finalised?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The insurance Bill has not come before the Government and therefore the heads have not been discussed. It is not due for this year. It will probably be early next year. The Seanad Bill was referred to the Seanad for its assessment and I have not heard back from it yet.
Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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When does the Taoiseach expects to have the Cooke report? Once having received it, when does he propose to publish it?
Now that we have a new Minister for Justice and Equality I hope she and the Government will be more sympathetic and decent in respect of the case of the survivors of the Bethany Home. I have raised this issue many times on the floor of the Dáil. I hope today the Taoiseach will commit on his behalf and on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, to revisit this case and do the decent thing for the survivors.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I have no contact with Mr. Justice Cooke and I have no idea when he will submit the report.
Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Is it not imminent?
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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It is imminent according to the Minister, Deputy Quinn.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I have had no contact with Mr. Justice Cooke and I cannot confirm it. A timeline was set for it but it is entirely a matter for Mr. Justice Cooke.
Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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So it is not imminent.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I hear reports that it is imminent-----
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, said it would be next week.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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-----but I have no contact myself with him and therefore I cannot confirm it.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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It was imminent last Thursday.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I cannot confirm the date in answer to the Deputy's question. I will pass on her comments in respect of the Bethany Home to the Minister for Justice and Equality. The matter was not approved on a number of occasions in recent years.
Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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I am aware of that.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I do not accept the Deputy's comment that the Government is neither sympathetic nor decent in respect of the work it does here. As pointed out with regard to the Magdalen laundries, Priory Hall and many other sensitive serious issues the Government has been sympathetic and decent.
Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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The Government has been utterly indecent to these survivors. It has been callous and heartless and the Taoiseach clearly intends to continue in this vein. It is a disgrace.
Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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My question is on the Wind Turbine Regulation Bill 2014. The Government promised to bring forward guidelines on wind farms. With regard to setback distances the Minister is committed to including 500 meters regardless of the height-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We cannot deal with this aspect of the Bill.
Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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Will the Taoiseach address this and ensure the setback distance is pro ratato the height?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy can raise this through a parliamentary question.
Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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Will the Taoiseach give a commitment this morning on the Bill? I know it cannot be discussed on Committee Stage prior to the local elections, but will the Taoiseach give a commitment to allow Sinn Féin's Wind Turbine Regulation Bill 2014 to be discussed on Committee Stage after the elections so his party people and our party people, who are being asked about it on the doorstops throughout the midlands, can give some clarity to the people affected? We need this commitment this morning to allow the Bill go to Committee Stage.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I cannot give the Deputy this commitment. All of these guidelines are for public consultation and complete review so I cannot give the commitment. I am sorry.
Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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How long is the consultation? The Government is dragging it out until after the local elections.
Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to raise an issue with regard to the programme for Government relating to a commitment that hospitals would be paid according to their care path of delivery and would have an incentivised scheme to ensure resources follow the patient. With respect to the health reform Bill will the Taoiseach comment on its publication date in light of the publication yesterday afternoon of a high-level review of maternity services in the HSE north west-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We had this on Question Time.
Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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-----which earmarked the closure of the number of maternity units particularly with respect to Portiuncula and Ballinasloe which is provided for in the seventh scenario?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No, Deputy, please resume your seat.
Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Ceann Comhairle-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No, you will not deal with individual cases.
Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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The Ceann Comhairle is to facilitate debate and not to censor it. This is a critical-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We had an hour and a quarter for Question Time this morning on health issues, including this matter, with the Minister present.
Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I have submitted this as a Topical Issues matter and the Ceann Comhairle has consistently rejected it.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy is not doing himself any favours by being smart.
Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Nor yourself because you are supposed to facilitate debate, not censor it.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy resume your seat. I take great exception to your comments. You will be treated like every other Deputy in the House. You have no special place.
Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I would be delighted if I was.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is a complex Bill. It is listed for later this session but I cannot confirm it will actually make it through. I do not accept the Deputy's comments about the closure of maternity services. There was a meeting in Portiuncula-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is not in order in the Order of Business.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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There was a meeting on Friday last and it was made clear there are no planned closures. I have been listening to rumours and allegations which are entirely baseless for the past two days.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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They are not rumours. They are in the report.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Nonsense.
Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Look at professor nonsense.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Keaveney was at Question Time this morning and this matter was dealt with.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Rubbish.
Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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You are professor rubbish.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Electioneering.
Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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Will the Taoiseach formally correct the record in respect of what he said earlier about Mr. Brian Purcell and clarify that there is no firm commitment for a specific date for him to come before the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is not in order on the Order of Business and the Deputy knows this.
Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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I want to also ask the Taoiseach if he will correct the record on the issue on which Mr. Purcell was asked to come before the committee, which concerns the resignation of the former Garda Commissioner.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I ask the Deputy to please resume her seat. This is not in order.
Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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The Taoiseach knows Mr. Purcell cannot divulge a private conversation between them on the night in question.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Will the Deputy please resume her seat?
Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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I am asking the Taoiseach if he will agree to lift-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I am asking the Deputy to resume her seat.
Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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-----the confidentiality in respect of that conversation so people can find out-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Shortall.
Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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-----from Mr. Purcell why it was-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Switch off that microphone please.
Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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-----that the Taoiseach sent him out-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Shortall resume your seat.
Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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-----to Mr. Callinan. Will the Taoiseach lift that requirement for confidentiality-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I will ask Deputy Shortall to leave the House if she is not careful.
Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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-----or will he attend the committee and explain what went on that night?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Shortall please leave the House.
I do not want any comments on this. The Deputies who consistently ignore the Chair show grave disrespect to the House.
It is not me personally; it is the House and the rest of the Members.
1:55 pm
Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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The Taoiseach should correct the record.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Moreover, when you are asked to resume your seat, please do so-----
Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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The Taoiseach misled the House.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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-----and raise issues in accordance with the rules of the House.
Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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The Taoiseach should correct the record. He is the person who can provide-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Thank you, Deputy. That concludes the Order of Business for today. The Dáil will suspend for one hour.
Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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-----information on what happened that night.
Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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Will the Taoiseach lift the confidentiality requirement on Mr. Purcell?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy knows well, this is the subject of a commission of investigation by a Supreme Court judge.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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My apologies, there also is the First Stage of a Private Members' Bill. I call on Deputy Adams-----
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy should be ashamed of herself.
Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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The Taoiseach should be honest and should not put loyalty before the truth.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Shortall, would you please stay quiet and behave yourself?
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach is goading her.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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And you too, please.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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With respect, the Taoiseach said she should be ashamed of herself. The Taoiseach should explain why she should be ashamed of herself.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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There is a commission of investigation.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy does not need to come in to defend anybody. She is well able to do it herself. I call Deputy Adams.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Why should Deputy Shortall be ashamed of saying what she said?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy Adams.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Why should she be ashamed to say what she did?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The reason is because she was out of order.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I was talking to the Taoiseach.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Martin, please stay quiet. I call Deputy Adams.