Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I advise the Leader of the Opposition that the position on the treaty has not changed. Regardless of what a German Minister says, if the Attorney General advises that we need a referendum we will have one. That is the simple situation which I have outlined on at least ten occasions. When the Attorney General advises on the need for a referendum, the Government will act on her advice.

A number of Members raised the issue of the sale of State assets. Senators will be aware that the programme for support contained commitments on State assets. The programme states that the Government "will consider options for an ambitious programme of asset disposals" and the preparation of a draft programme for these disposals.