Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

Before we agree the Order of Business, I would ask the Leader to give a commitment, following yesterday's Order of Business and the debate which ensued, that the House will sit again very shortly. There are a number of matters of great national importance which need to be debated in this House. Yesterday, there was a call for a debate on the impending situation in Iraq, a debate on the national finances and many other matters. It would be entirely wrong, as we start this first session of the new Seanad, that we should meet only for the purpose of dealing with legislation. The House should meet shortly to debate the important issues which have been mentioned. Just this morning we heard of further planned cutbacks in public services and education. All of those matters should be debated. I ask for a commitment from the Leader, before we agree the Order of Business, that the House will meet shortly to provide an opportunity for those on all sides who wish to contribute on all of those matters.