John Crown (Independent)

I share the concern of some of my colleagues regarding the unfair treatment of Fr. Kevin Reynolds by RTE. Has it come out in the public domain yet as to which side's lawyers enforced the gagging order that is preventing us from finding out about the settlement? It would be useful to know this. Having seen it in the health service, as a statement of general principle, public bodies should be prevented from enforcing gagging orders when disputes of this type arise.

We had a Marie Antoinette moment in the House last week. I apologise if I am perseverating on a matter raised by my esteemed colleague Senator Quinn and others. As a fair outsider to the political system, what went on here last week was nothing short of appalling. In fact, it is being understated as to how grossly irresponsible it was to have a series of endless quorum calls, procedural motions and every vote taken in triplicate when everyone knew the result. It was not only wasteful of our time but of the public purse. It is not something that any Member should be doing. The blame is as much on the Government side as it is on this side.