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Dáil
‹ Leaders’ Questions.

Justice Minister’s fitness for office

Summary

Ó Caoláin says the Minister is unfit for office and cites his absence during the Disability Bill’s passage; other members call for his dismissal, while the Taoiseach says the Minister acted properly and affirms his support.

One topical issue is the conduct and suitability of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the fact that the evidence I have highlighted demonstrates he is clearly unfit for that office. Will it not be the case that we will see young Irish-born citizens taking cases against this State and a future Government will clearly have to face the consequences of the Minister's actions? How does the Taoiseach explain the Minister's absence during the course of the entire Disability Bill through the House? He was not even here to participate in a Bill that bore his name——

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Rory O'Hanlon An Ceann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

I ask the Deputy to resume his seat.

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——nor did he vote.

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Rory O'Hanlon An Ceann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

Your time has concluded.

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Rory O'Hanlon An Ceann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

The Deputy cannot go over different topical issues.

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I am talking about the same issue.

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Rory O'Hanlon An Ceann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

You are not.

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The Minister did not even vote on a Bill that bore his name.

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Rory O'Hanlon An Ceann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

The Deputy raised a question on the Morris tribunal.

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This is not about resignation, it is time the Taoiseach had the courage to dismiss him.

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Do not try to defend the Minister, a Cheann Comhairle, he is not worthy of it.

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It should be put to a vote at the parliamentary party meeting.

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Many questions were asked and I will give a short answer.

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The Taoiseach should answer the last question.

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It is fairly obvious that Deputy Ó Caoláin does not like the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

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Jim O'Keeffe Mr. J. O’Keeffe Fine Gael

He has a lot of company. The Taoiseach should look over his shoulder.

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I believe that the Minister acted properly in regard to all the matters raised and I fully support him.

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