Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

In regard to Senator O'Brien's point, what happened last week about Private Members' business was regrettable but I am sure we will have a healthy debate tonight on the same subject. I have not yet done so but I will find out for the Senator about the committee report on pyrites, when it will be available and how often the committee has met.

A number of speakers raised the household charge. We have debated this topic on numerous occasions. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, attended the House to discuss the actual Bill and has been present on a number of occasions for Adjournment motions on this subject. There is very little more the Minister can say on the subject. I understand the figure who have paid is 15% - I take Senator Cullinane at his word. Nonetheless, it is due. People have another ten or 11 days to pay the charge. I am sure the vast majority of people will adhere to the laws of the country as passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas.

I take great umbrage that Members of the Oireachtas advocate that people should break the law.