SIPO statement procedure
The Ceann Comhairle explained his discretion to allow a Minister’s statement and Opposition responses on the Donohoe matter. Members objected or interjected, but the procedural issue remained how the statement should be handled.
I thank the Deputy. Before I ask the Taoiseach to respond, yesterday I received a request from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe, under Standing Order 55, to make a statement to the House. As has been set out already, the provision is a matter for my discretion. I decided I would facilitate the making of a statement. It is further at my discretion as to whether Opposition parties' spokespersons could also make statements. I agreed they should. In light of what I am hearing, we might augment the proposal a little later by asking the Minister if he would respond at the end of the contributions-----
Comment on this
No, that is not what is required.
Comment on this
-----to the points made by Members. Insofar as this has been brought to me and is a matter for my discretion, my approach is to evaluate that request against the competing business of the House that falls to be taken. It would be my view that if we were to allocate an hour or so for this, we should be able to deal adequately with it. If that is not acceptable to the House, then other arrangements can be made.
Comment on this
On a point of order-----
