Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I made arrangements today for a copy of the report to be sent to them immediately. I have been assured by Deputy Ardagh, who is the chairman of the committee, that he will put the family in the centre of the committee's concerns and will deal with the matter in a way that is fully cognisant of their interest in the matter. As I understand it, the Whips of the various parties agreed last night that this should be dealt with without debate and should be sent to the committee. Some Deputies have asked that it be discussed at some point in the House but that is a matter for the Whips. Let us get it to the committee first and allow the committee to get on with its work.

With regard to the tobacco convention, we face a deadline of 8 November. Today is, effectively, the last occasion on which we can deal with the matter. Again, I understand the Whips agreed to deal with it without debate.

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