Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Whatever way this pans out, these are questions that must be answered. I reiterate my demand that the Taoiseach, no one else, should come before this House to explain what has happened. I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that the Taoiseach comes to the House today to answer questions on this issue. A similar amendment was rejected on yesterday’s Order of Business but this side of the House will keep on insisting on this until the Taoiseach comes into this House and shows respect for this Chamber. In a referendum last year, this Chamber was protected by the people. The issue of the vacancy of a seat here is a matter for the Seanad. It was very remiss of the Taoiseach and the Leader yesterday to reject this proposal. I hope the Deputy Leader today will change the view of the Government side and request the Taoiseach to come to the House. Even if it were for next Tuesday or Wednesday, I would then withdraw my amendment to the Order of Business.

The many unanswered questions concerning the debacle of the McNulty affair - which I accept is unfortunate for that man - affects the status and dignity of this House. We need those answers and the only person to provide them is the Taoiseach.