Before we commence business, as Ceann Comhairle, I believe it is in the interests of the House to put on record a brief statement on the events surrounding the debate on the censure of Deputy Liam Lawlor. I am sure Members will agree that there should not be any confusion or misunderstanding of the High Court action in respect of the Dáil. What transpired on Thursday morning last, 7 February, was that Deputy Lawlor made an oral application to the court without notice to this House to be released from prison to attend the debate. In the circumstances, when the House became aware that the Deputy was due to arrive it was decided to postpone the debate for a brief period as a matter of courtesy.
It is important to note that the court did not grant an injunction against this House postponing or delaying the debate. If it had attempted to make such an order, this House could have challenged it in the court. Given that Deputy Lawlor was under the jurisdiction of the courts for contempt, the High Court had power to vary its sanctions as it saw fit. There was no court order preventing the debate from taking place if he was not present. As Members were aware, the Dáil was free to proceed with the debate notwithstanding that Deputy Lawlor would not necessarily be present. I believe it is necessary to put on record my decision on the approach adopted for the debate, which, as I said, was not affected by the court's decision to release Deputy Lawlor.