Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Like any bidder at an auction, the National Library would not have a set bidding price. It would probably decide to go so far and no further. Mr. Peter Barry was extremely generous in giving back the Michael Collins items he had purchased and I hope the citizen in question might do the same. On whether the National Library, or any national institution, has a set policy on bidding for a painting, letter, book or whatever, I can get the information for the Senator but imagine its policy is flexible in terms of the market for such an item, which I agree was a very important one.

Senator O'Toole referred to items on the Order Paper which were to be taken without debate. He does not have a difficulty with the four items to be referred to a joint committee but does have a difficulty with those which have been returned. I have been considering this matter because I am aware the Senator has raised it on several occasions. I am not being facetious when I say any Member of the Dáil or Seanad can attend a committee meeting at which such an item is being discussed. In future, if an item appears on the Order Paper which a particular Senator would wish to have discussed, I will arrange for such a discussion if he or she notifies me. That might be the best way to proceed because it can appear a little arbitrary for me to read out 12 items on which there will be no discussion.

Senator O'Toole also asked me to find out who was not taking money under the allowance scheme. He can get that information himself. I do not see myself asking everyone if he or she took the money they were granted.