Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

Could the Leader schedule a debate on the Ferns inquiry report as soon as possible? It is probably the most important matter requiring discussion. I was a member of the all-party committee chaired by the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Brian Lenihan, which has been referred to in this House. The fact that we produced a unanimous report then should not be taken to mean that a proposal coming from the Taoiseach or any source should not be closely debated. Such a report should not be a behind-the-scenes bargaining tool to either keep Sinn Féin on side in the event that it is needed after the next general election or, like the proposals regarding the commemoration of the 1916 Rising, to neutralise Sinn Féin in some way.