Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

It is an important question. I would have to blame the Leader because he went public on this issue about the Seanad nomination. It is important to this House because the question is whether the Green Party Members are operating an empty chair policy. Is it simply about this nomination or is it more fundamental about whether the Green Party is supporting the Government, be it on the Lisbon referendum, the next budget or whatever legislation will be forthcoming over the remainder of this period? This is important. I ask the Leader to respond and clarify the position because it is rather odd that during this entire week no Green Party Member has been in this House. Will that continue?