Rónán Mullen (Independent)

It certainly is appropriate for me to ask the Leader to write to the Ceann Comhairle, who I believe has a certain responsibility for both Houses in the context of the work of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission and so on. While I am open to correction by the Cathaoirleach in this regard, what is relevant to the other House in this matter is also relevant here.

I speak as someone who is normally critical of the media. I am not enthusiastic about the media picking up things off-mic but I believe a bigger issue has arisen, namely, the issue of how Members treat one another and are perceived to treat one another. Moreover, in the background there are concerns that people and young women in particular have about body image, as well as a certain inequality in the manner in which women appear to be prone to be commented on in a way that men are not and so on. These are relevant issues and it is important that we politicians meet a higher standard in such matters. This is the reason it is important for the Leader to get in touch with the Ceann Comhairle and that Oireachtas Members are reminded of their duties in these Houses. In this context, it was made known to me that two female journalists were heard to comment on the issue and one expressed her reluctance to criticise any Member of the Technical Group because they are all such diamonds who are great for copy. Perhaps this illustrates the trivialisation that goes on about issues in these Houses and may be a reason that politicians do not meet high standards in the manner in which they address issues or speak of one another.

I wish to raise a second issue in my capacity as an Independent Member, a status of which I am highly conscious. I am worried about a culture of spin characterising the actions of the Government. First, there was an apparent lack of openness regarding concerns being expressed by the Smithwick tribunal. Then the Taoiseach first stated he had made no commitment to keeping open Roscommon hospital's accident and emergency department, only for it then to emerge that a commitment was made. Then it was stated there were safety concerns that only-----