Ministerial comments on Seán Quinn
Senator Wilson asks Ministers to avoid public comment on Seán Quinn and his family while court proceedings continue, given the implications for thousands of workers.
Last Friday, an honourable and decent man was jailed by the High Court for contempt of court. I do not want to interfere with court decisions, but I think it is important to ask that Ministers refrain from making public comment on Seán Quinn or members of the Quinn family. This is a delicate situation that involves not only the Quinn family but many thousands of ordinary workers. I ask the Leader to convey the request that Ministers refrain from commenting on this matter and leave it to the courts.
I join colleagues in hoping that we will have a large turnout for the children's rights referendum on Saturday, 10 November. I pay tribute to every Member of the Oireachtas who has canvassed for a "Yes" vote, and I compliment the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, on the major role she has played in the campaign. I also commend the party spokespersons, particularly Deputy Robert Troy and Senator Terry Leyden. I ask Members to do everything between now and Saturday to ensure there is a large turnout and that the referendum is passed by a significant number of votes.