Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

Fine Gael is opposing today's Order of Business because two of the Government's proposals demonstrate a lack of respect for proper democratic procedure and debate in this House. The Government's decision to push through a sensitive appointment to the Standards in Public Office Commission without any consultation with the Opposition, despite the legislative requirement to do so, is a serious issue. The Tánaiste has apologised for the oversight, but I do not think that is enough. This proposal should be withdrawn from the Order Paper to allow the Government to engage in proper discussion with the Opposition. Given the sensitive nature of this appointment, it should ideally be the subject of all-party agreement.