Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I second the amendment to the Order of Business calling for a debate on unemployment. The proposal to invite the Pope to visit Ireland is a separate matter, as far as I am aware. I have signed a petition, at the invitation of Senator Jim Walsh, to send an invitation to the Pope. I hope he will accept it and come. It will be a marvellous boost to the country if he does.

Will the Leader allow time for a debate on broadcasting? I will not accept ridicule from any side of the House regarding the very important issue of information to the public from our broadcasters. RTE is not providing for proper debate on the proposed EU treaty. Whether a referendum is held, the treaty has been signed and will come, as a Bill, to the House and be debated. Last night TV3, which does not receive a subsidy from our €160 licence fee, broadcast a third discussion on the treaty. Our excellent Senator Thomas Byrne, Deputy Mary Lou McDonald, Deputy Stephen Donnelly and the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Lucinda Creighton, all spoke eloquently-----