Will the Taoiseach clarify that he did not say he rebuked the watchdog for spying on journalists? He is saying he did not say that at all and that no one on his behalf briefed the newspapers. Nobody on his behalf briefed the Irish Independent in this respect.

No, we cannot have that. I call Deputy Adams.

Will the Taoiseach clarify that nobody briefed the Irish Independent, that he did not say these things and that no one on his behalf said he was rebuking the watchdog for spying on journalists?

That is not a point of order. Resume your seat. I call Deputy Adams.

It is a very important issue. GSOC was rubbished this morning by spokespeople on the Taoiseach's behalf. Someone briefed the journalists. They did not make it up themselves.

I know it is important but this is the Order of Business. Deputy Martin, you have had your turn.

I never mentioned GSOC at all yesterday. I have absolute confidence in the capabilities of the eminent judicial chairperson-----

So the Taoiseach did not slap them down at all

I have called Deputy Adams.

I am not responsible for headlines in papers.

Sometimes you are.

I made the point about-----

Deputy Martin, please remain in your seat.

The Taoiseach has some very capable spin doctors. Let us give them credit. They are very good and they have a very good habit of doing that kind of thing.

Deputy Martin is not too bad himself. He knows a thing or two about spin doctors.

Then the Taoiseach comes into the House and he withdraws.

Deputy Martin, would you please show respect to the Chair?

No respect.

I will show respect, a Cheann Comhairle, but I think the Taoiseach should show a bit more respect for us as well. We did not all come down in the last shower.

I am not responsible for headlines in The New York Times or anywhere else.

Your people must have been.

Please stay quiet, all of you, and let Deputy Adams in.

Deputy Martin had a fair few spin doctors himself.

Fine Gael has very good ones. I have given them credit. The only thing the Government gets an A mark for is spinning.

Deputy Martin, please show some respect.