Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I appreciate that. I have two other items to deal with but I will conclude my remarks on this matter first. There has been no consultation. I agree with Senator O'Meara that the Leader has been reasonable to date on the Order of Business. However, there is an attempt to get this matter through without consideration. That is not good enough and the Leader should accept that.

There was an announcement some time ago regarding an audit of State assets. I asked the Leader when the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon, might come before the House. She responded reasonably at that time and I ask again that this be done. We have not heard the result of this audit, when the assets will be advertised or when the first phase of the sell-off – to which today's newspapers refer – will begin. That is not good enough. It is not known whether the family silver or the kitchen sink is involved. Members are entitled to information on this matter and the Minister of State should be brought before the House.

It has come to my attention that different local authorities operate different criteria in regard to the allocation of public housing. Such a lack of uniformity is not good enough and the Leader should arrange for the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Noel Ahern, to come before the House to discuss this important matter. It is most unfair to applicants.