The House has agreed that, for the duration of the Covid-19 emergency only, the rapporteur's report on the Order of Business shall not be read out but shall be taken as read. Therefore, in that context, there are just four proposals to put to the House today. Is the proposal for dealing with today's business agreed to?

It is not agreed. I understand that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Cowen, is due to give a personal statement today on his drink-driving offence. It is not acceptable for us that he would be able to give a statement and there would not be opportunities for questions from the Opposition and answers from the Minister, as was the case and became the precedent on numerous occasions in the previous Dáil. There are, as the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Eamon Ryan, said on the radio this morning, numerous questions outstanding relating to the offence itself, the status of Deputy Cowen's driving licence and whether he was repeatedly in breach of the law in terms of learner driver plates, accompanying drivers and so on. The most important question, however, is that of precedent.

This is the first test of the Government and whether it will establish a precedent of using its majority to ensure there are no questions asked when Ministers are involved in controversy and that a statement will be the end of the matter.

To be clear, the Minister in question, Deputy Barry Cowen, made a request to me in accordance with Standing Order 56, which relates to providing a personal explanation to the Dáil. I have acceded to the request and provided time for the Minister to do this later this evening. Standing Order 56 specifically precludes a debate or questions. This is not unprecedented and in the history of this Chamber there have been numerous statements made in this way. This method was chosen by the Minister, Deputy Cowen, and the request was acceded to by me. That is the end of that particular matter.

It is not, as we have the right to reject the Order of Business today.

Yes, of course.

That is based on the precedent that when there was controversy involving Ministers in the previous Dáil, there was, very regularly, an opportunity for questions and answers. If the Minister makes a statement and then leaves before we can ask questions or get answers, that is quite problematic. If the Business Committee could come back with a proposal to include time for questions and answers, that would be excellent.

The device being used does not provide for questions and answers. The Deputy is quite entitled to vote against the Order of Business as proposed. If the proposal for dealing with today's business is not agreed, I ask na Teachtaí-----

Could we get a response from the Chief Whip or somebody from the Government as to whether we can agree to change the order?

I understand the Minister, Deputy Cowen, made a request to the Ceann Comhairle under the specific Standing Orders. I have no role in the request.

We can change the order for today in order to facilitate questions and answers.

A specific request has been made under a specific Standing Order which does not apply to Government business.

The Chief Whip knows we can change the Order of Business for today to facilitate questions and answers. Please do not be obstinate about this. He can make a decision now and say the Government will accede to the request and change the agenda to facilitate questions and answers. We need that for some accountability in this House.

The Deputy is correct but the reality is we are all aware that between now and the end of July, critical legislation must be enacted. We can take time away from the work on that legislation if we choose. It is entirely a matter for the House or we can focus on the legislation. It is a matter for Members.

I attended the Business Committee meeting yesterday and there was no request from Deputy Cowen or any other group for time in this regard. This is just showboating and shenanigans. The correct procedure is being used for the Minister's statement and we will all wait to hear it.

Is the proposal for dealing with Wednesday's business agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with Thursday's business agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with Friday's business of the Special Committee on Covid-19 Response agreed to? Agreed.

I call Deputy McDonald. I remind Members that there is one minute per question and one minute per answer.