Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, on which I expect there will be a vote. He spoke about the Minister with responsibility for the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill not being present. An excellent Minister of State will come into the House to deal with the Bill and I know all Senators will observe the courtesies in that regard.

Senator O'Toole seconded Senator Brian Hayes's motion. He spoke about the Information Commissioner and the fact that useful amendments were often tabled on Committee Stage which made good changes to legislation and wondered if that would happen on this occasion. Senator O'Meara agreed with the two earlier speakers and said it was an abuse of power.

Senator Leyden raised the matter of the Hanly report referred to in the newspapers today. I understand there are two major reports, the Brennan report and the Hanly report, and as soon as they are officially issued, they could be the focus for a useful debate in the House.

Senator Finucane supported Senator Brian Hayes and said that while some Senators were not critical of the Ministers' absence, he was on this occasion.

Senator Ó Murchú, echoing a speech which I understand the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs gave in County Mayo, spoke about the plight of elderly emigrants who, he said, were now entitled to a dividend from our current prosperity. Senator Tuffy supported Senator Ó Murchú on the question of emigrants, in particular the housing needed for elderly emigrants returning to this country. We will ask the Minister when he can come to the House to talk about the issue.

Senator Ross raised the issue of the penalty points report which he said appeared to have been leaked by the Garda. We do not know who leaked it—