Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I am aware of that and both the Cathaoirleach and I are also aware that in the course of the past 18 months the DPP took the unusual step of explaining his position in one case. I think this is another such situation. The House needs information. It could at some stage in the future be called upon to act on the constitutional position and I want to know from whence the information will come to enable the House to make a judgment at that time. That is all I ask. There are issues of which we are not aware and it is nothing to do with any side of the House or anybody else. I just wonder how we can be informed while, at the same time, I fully respect the judgment of the Cathaoirleach. He is correct; it would be very wrong of us to act and focus on the case.

However, I need to know how we came to this position. There is an issue regarding trust and confidence in the general operation of the Judiciary. That trust and confidence needs to be restored and I wonder how that can be achieved. I will go no further on the matter but I ask the Cathaoirleach to mention it again in the House tomorrow and to state if there is some method by which the House can be better informed in a way that will not potentially conflict with our constitutional duties and responsibilities.

In terms of cynicism, hypocrisy and the destruction of confidence in the system, I have never met so many angry partners in education as I have over the past five days since this issue arose. No more than in the previous case, I do not know the ins and outs of the case but, from the point of view of pupils, teachers, principal teachers, boards of management, parents and any of those involved in the running of schools, the idea that resources in the Department of Education and Science are apparently being used — this may be incorrect — in support of a particular party, even if it is a Government party, is completely wrong and I am confident Members on the other side will agree with me. The Taoiseach seems to agree with that point of view.

The House has a duty to restore public confidence in the system. It would be appropriate for the Minister to come to the House to explain why this has happened and what are the true facts so that neither his character nor that of anyone involved can be taken away. The House should hear the full story from the Minister's point of view and Members can then offer their views. This is simply breeding cynicism in the world of education and none of us could say otherwise. I know members of the Government party share my view in that regard.

The annual report of Waterways Ireland has been laid before the House. It would be appropriate for the House to discuss the annual report of this all-Ireland body. With particular reference to the Cathaoirleach's part of the world, when will it be possible to take boats through the beautiful midland counties of Longford and other places and do a full circuit from one end of the Shannon to the other through Dublin? I ask that this matter be discussed as soon as possible.