In regard to the other matter Deputy Adams mentioned, I have not met Ms Maíria Cahill but I intend to meet her tomorrow. The false assumption of a war being waged does not justify shootings, disappearances or kangaroo courts.

The Taoiseach might know I said that.

I know that.

This is not really in order on the Order of Business.

Were I standing in this position where I had to sit in the knowledge that somebody, a member of my party, had raped a woman, and were I to attend and speak to that person or in the knowledge that that person had had her abuser or rapist brought before her, I would not last five minutes in this position.

Neither should the Taoiseach. What is the point he is making?

Deputy Adams attended and spoke to this young woman-----

Without that knowledge.

-----and she stated they were not speaking about the weather.

Without that knowledge. I was asked-----

I am sorry, but we are not having a debate on this topic. This is too serious a matter.

It is not for debate now, but I only make the point-----

These representatives are politicising the issue. I am very conscious that victims of abuse are watching the proceedings.

Deputy Adams should please resume his seat. I thank him.

Deputy Adams should listen to the question, which is whether he believes Maíria Cahill or not.

I answered Deputy Martin's question. This is not the time to get into a debate on the issue.

The Taoiseach asked for more than that.

I merely make the point that one cannot have blind allegiance from one's deputy leader when she says she believes Deputy Adams fully and completely and can give a categoric guarantee that there is no cover-up anywhere within the Sinn Féin Party about this, or within the IRA. We understand others might well come forward. I do not know. I look forward to speaking to Maíria Cahill tomorrow.

I wish to state again; there is no cover-up by Sinn Féin. Second, the Taoiseach cannot make the type of assertion he made.

Deputy Adams should please respect the Chair.

Once again, the Taoiseach has not asked me for my version of events.

The victim is making the assertion.

The Taoiseach is making assertions.

Deputy Adams should please not interrupt.

He is playing politics.

Deputy Adams should listen to her.

I did. Deputy Kehoe does not know what he is talking about.