Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Leader to convey to the Government our deep dissatisfaction at the selective leaking of the report by the expert group on how the State is to proceed on the abortion issue. The Cabinet is considering the issue today, and rightly so. I am calling for a reasoned, respectful debate on the issue which I am certain we will have in the House, but I am gravely concerned and annoyed at the fact that the report has been played out in the media in the past four or five days in every newspaper and on every radio and television station before Members of the Oireachtas have had an opportunity to look at it. That is outrageous and disgraceful. Through the Leader's good office I call on the Department of Health to carry out an investigation into how many individuals had the report and who leaked it. This was a closely guarded report, rightly so.

It is probably the single most serious social issue that the Houses of the Oireachtas will deal with, yet the print media and broadcasters have discussed the report before any of us has even had an opportunity to read it. The individual or individuals who leaked it should pay with the loss of his, her or their jobs. This undermines the democratic process, the reason that the Oireachtas deals with such matters. I am certain that we will deal with this matter in a way that respects other people's positions and views. We will debate it in a proper and reasoned way. However, that the report is being discussed by commentators across the country before it has been examined by Deputies, Senators or even the Cabinet - it will do so today - is disgraceful. Will the Leader pass on my party's grave concerns in this regard and ask the Government at the highest level to instigate quickly an independent investigation into who is responsible? I thank the Cathaoirleach for indulging me, as it was important to point out this undermining of the democratic process.

I wish to ask the Leader about the Greek deal. I welcome the fact that Greece has received an extension in the terms of its debt repayment. In fact, it is a further write-down in Greece's debt and, if I may use the word, a "zeroisation" of the interest rate, something that I have been calling for our banks to do in respect of mortgage holders. The comments by the Minister, Deputy Noonan, are interesting. He stated, "This is a special and particular case. There isn't a crossover into Ireland's affairs." From listening to every senior Minister and the Taoiseach, I had the clear understanding that we were special. Clearly we are not as special as Greece. I cannot understand it. I have questioned the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, in the Seanad about Ireland's negotiating position. I even asked for a broad outline. Let us trust the people and the Seanad with some degree of intelligence and tell them what the Government is seeking. Is it the case that, as the Taoiseach stated in July, we will repay all of our debts and are not seeking a write-down? Why is Greece a "special and particular" case according to the Minister? Are we no longer special to Frau Merkel?

I welcome the Greek deal. It is important and realistic, although it will result in hardships for the Greek people. That said, where is Ireland in the discussion? I ask that, following the budget, we hold a specific debate to try to elicit real answers from the Minister for Finance.