Joe O'Toole (Independent)

It is my belief that, if someone says something often enough, it can almost become accepted as law. While I agree with the Cathaoirleach on the need for us to be efficient on the Order of Business, it is the basis on which Members discuss what business should be taken and whereby they can ask for it to be today even if they mean it to be tomorrow. That has always been the way. In fairness to people on the Opposition side of the House, the Leader in her response yesterday invited interruption on a number of occasions.

I wish to raise two issues regarding the Order of Business and Bills before and coming before the House. The Government Whips for both Houses have circulated a list of legislation and I have an issue in this regard which requires clarification. I do not expect the Leader or the Cathaoirleach to have the answer now. The list refers to a Disability Bill which is to be published in 2003 and also, under the heading of Bills expected to be published before the start of the Dáil session or up to the Christmas recess, to an Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill. I will not trouble the House with what it sets out to do.

I remind the House, especially the 31 Members who were Members of the previous Seanad, that we went to a great deal of trouble some months ago to pass another Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill. It was passed by the House and, if it were to be restored, should be sent to the other House. It appears not to have been restored and has lapsed in the middle. Perhaps it is a Government decision that it wants to hear no more about the Bill, which was quite controversial at times, although it was improved significantly in the House. Will the Leader clarify the position? This is a serious Bill and one which has had much media and public interest and in which the disabilities groups have an interest.