Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

It is normal for the House not to sit on the week of a referendum. On this occasion, that is particularly appropriate. Many people, even still, make the point to us that there are some uncertainties and a lack of clarity with regard to the Lisbon treaty. Therefore, there should be an opportunity for Members to provide the leadership at local level on the treaty. The Labour Party will certainly seek a "Yes" vote and encourage all its party members and councillors to participate actively in that campaign.

Before we agree to the proposal, I ask the Tánaiste to clear up a matter. When we return after the Lisbon referendum, the two main items on the political agenda will obviously be the NAMA legislation, the debate on which will continue and about which we can talk later, and also the budget. I seek clarity on-----

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