I asked the Tánaiste a question. Is he satisfied that SIPO is sufficiently empowered to investigate the decisions of taoisigh when necessary? I would appreciate an answer to that. I also asked when we are likely to see the publication of updated ethics legislation. I remind the Tánaiste that this legislation goes back many years. We have been promised this updated legislation for a long time. There was a draft Bill in 2015, which went into committee in 2017 and ran into the sand. Since then, it has been clear that Fine Gael is simply not interested in having updated ethics legislation. It seems there is no appetite within Fine Gael to bring us up to date with our ethics legislation. I ask the Tánaiste to answer the questions I have asked him. Does he think the powers of SIPO in respect of the actions of taoisigh are adequate at the moment? When will we see the legislation to update the powers of SIPO which it has sought for the past 20 years?

I expect we will see that legislation next year. I agree that we need to strengthen the powers and functions of the standards commission. When it comes to ethics, standards and codes of conduct, I do not believe it is the role of any standards commission to investigate the political decisions or actions of Ministers. That is a different thing. Ministers are responsible to the Dáil for political decisions they make. When it comes to standards, ethics and codes of conduct, I absolutely believe that the standards commission should be strengthened in that regard.

I am disappointed the Deputy did not answer my question because it does substantiate what I suspected.

I am quite disappointed the Tánaiste did not answer mine.

The Social Democrats is a party of the left. It has lower standards for people who are on the left. The Deputy said on radio that I should not serve in government just because I was under investigation even though I have subsequently been cleared.

Why are you trying to distract attention from yourself, Tánaiste?

Why will the Social Democrats not apply the same standards to Sinn Féin? When the Deputy is doing future interviews, I hope journalists will press her on this matter.

Why are you doing this?

Answer the question.

Why are you trying to distract attention from yourself, Tánaiste?

It is because you are a hypocrite, Róisín. You are a hypocrite, that is why.

Okay. Maybe you would like to say that outside of this House, Tánaiste.

Tá mé ag bogadh ar aghaidh.

Do not go there.

Will you say that? Will you make that comment outside of this House?

The sue pandemic is spreading.

Just like Sinn Féin, you sue your opponents now.

Tá mé ag dul ar aghaidh go dtí an chéad cheist eile.

That is the latest thing.

Yes.

Yes, that is the latest thing.

Look, Tánaiste, I know what you are up to. You are trying to distract attention from yourself-----

Hear, hear.

Deputy, I am moving on.

-----so do not be playing those games with us.

You did not answer the question.

Let us move on.

No. That is exactly what you want to do.

I call Deputy Barry, who is not to be interrupted.

You have not answered the question. He asked you a fair question.

It is a fair question.

I am not going to be drawn into those silly games.

Of course not, because-----

If you want to play those games with Sinn Féin, you are very welcome to do that but we are not going to participate.

Members, can we have co-operation please?

It is double standards. It is okay to be dodgy if you are on the left.

Tánaiste, can we have co-operation please?

Will you say that outside as well?

I have called Deputy Barry.

You are very brave when you have the protection of this House.

We are moving on to Deputy Barry, who is to be uninterrupted.