James Heffernan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach has a particular plum in his hand, which is in his gift only: the position of European Commissioner. Maybe the Minister, Deputy Quinn, is putting himself in line for the position.

No. 22 on the Order Paper should be taken today as a matter of great urgency. It is a Bill which would give proper scrutiny to a position which, as reported in yesterday's Irish Independent in an article about Máire Geoghegan-Quinn's pay-off and pension, is worth €250,000 per annum to the recipient and has tremendous implications for the Irish people. The appointment to the position should be scrutinised properly by both Houses of the Oireachtas. I propose that No. 22 be taken today as a matter of great urgency.