Debates and briefing requests
The Tánaiste said the Government had no difficulty with debates on post offices, Yemen, or the maternity hospital, but these would need agreement through the Business Committee or Opposition slots. He also confirmed a detailed briefing for Opposition leaders or spokespersons on Ukraine would be provided that week.
I thank the Deputies for their contributions. In terms of post offices, the war in Yemen or the national maternity hospital, the Government has no difficulty with there being a debate or statements on these issues but that would have to be agreed by the Business Committee. I point out that there are three Private Members' slots every week-----
Comment on this
We could use Government time.
Comment on this
-----and it is up to the Opposition to use those slots as it chooses.
If these are the items it wishes to prioritise, it can do so for at least two of those three items. Whether it does so or not is entirely its choice and not ours.
Comment on this
It was agreed at the Government meeting today that a detailed briefing for Opposition parties would be provided this week on the situation in Ukraine and the Government's response to it. That can be done at leader or spokesperson level, whichever parties think is the most appropriate. That will happen this week.