Leaders' Questions will now be taken. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald, please.

Can I respond to the statement?

You can, of course.

Thank you, a Cheann Comhairle. All of us value the independence of the Judiciary and every measure must be taken to protect that. I appreciate the events as set out by the Taoiseach. The Judiciary chose an informal process of its own and it reported on the matter of Mr. Justice Woulfe's attendance at a golfing event in Clifden. I hear also the Taoiseach's determination that the Oireachtas would take no further steps. However, the Chief Justice expressing no confidence in a member of the Bench remains problematic. I believe there ought to be some mediated solution to this particular issue.

On a wider matter, it is essential for the Oireachtas that the Government is fully accountable and that the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, would attend and answer all of the relevant and pertinent questions around the appointment process of Mr. Justice Woulfe to the Bench.

I do not want to stop the Deputy in her flow but-----

This is not my Leaders' question, by the way. I am responding to the Taoiseach's statement.

This is not the Deputy's Leaders' question.

No. The Taoiseach has made a statement. I asked to respond to the statement and I thought that was clear.

It is in order as far as I am concerned to discuss here the process of selection within the House provided we do not stray into the area of personal suitability that would reflect on any individual that has been selected.

I accept that.

Please do not go there.

The Taoiseach commenced proceedings this afternoon by making a statement of considerable importance. I am taking the opportunity to respond to that.

I understood the Deputy was doing so by way of her Leaders' question.

No. The Sinn Féin Whip spoke to the Ceann Comhairle in advance of the sitting to indicate that if the Taoiseach makes a significant statement, the Opposition should get an opportunity to respond to it. I think that is only fair.

Yes but I am afraid the Deputy does not make up the rules as she goes along.

I am not asking to make up rules.

With respect, I called the Deputy under Leaders' Questions. I accept that the Taoiseach has made a brief statement and that the Deputy may want to make a brief statement. I am quite happy with that but we need to move on to her Leaders' question.

I have made my brief statement and I believe other leaders would in addition wish to make a statement on the matter.

Go ahead, Deputy.

I have made my case to the Taoiseach. I wish to make it clear that it is essential that the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, makes herself available to the House to make a full statement and to take questions.

I invite the Deputy to ask her Leaders' question.

Are other party leaders not going to be given an opportunity to respond?

I will come to other party leaders when I so choose. Deputy McDonald has the floor.

It seems to me that-----

I will come to Deputy Kelly in good time. We are moving to Leaders' Questions.