Mattie McGrath criticises ministers for attending without papers

Deputy Mattie McGrath raised a point of order criticising senior ministers for attending sittings without briefing papers or printed materials. He said ministers spoke without regulations or scripts, making it impossible for members to follow and calling the practice an insult to the house.

Occurrence and complaint

Deputy Mattie McGrath said several ministers came into the chamber this week without providing paperwork or printers, and that on multiple occasions members were left with only a handful present. He described the situation as scandalous and unfair, noting ministers ‘‘said so many things there without regulations’’ which could not be followed.

Impact on members and proceedings

McGrath said the absence of documents insulted the house and its members, who had waited to hear ministers yet lacked the means to verify or follow statements. He emphasised the problem had happened ‘‘two or three times this week’’, disrupting normal parliamentary scrutiny.

Ministers' responsibilities

He acknowledged ministers have varied responsibilities inside and outside the house but argued it is not normal practice for them to appear without scripts or supporting papers. McGrath insisted proper documentation should accompany ministerial statements so members can engage effectively.

Questions and procedural remedy

Deputy McGrath urged members with questions to pose them directly to the minister in the chamber or to submit questions to his office. He offered to process submitted questions with the minister to ensure clarity and that issues raised are properly handled.