Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Minihan will reply in due course.

Senator O'Toole made an interesting point in support of Senator Finucane's call yesterday for a debate on habitats and the environment. At a time significant numbers of directives are issuing from Europe relating to the environment it would be appropriate to have a debate. Perhaps when I speak to the Whips following the Order of Business we could schedule a debate on this issue in conjunction with a debate on European affairs.

Senator O'Toole and others referred to the Book of Estimates and an amendment to the Order of Business has been tabled in this regard. However, I made inquiries yesterday and the Minister for Finance will not be available to come to the House for a debate on the Estimates later. There is no point in all of us talking among ourselves about the Book of Estimates as the appropriate Minister should be present. He will be busy presenting the Book of Estimates.