Derek McDowell (Labour)

In regard to the Order of Business, it is remarkable that we are seeking to progress through the House within a matter of a few hours today and tomorrow the two most important Bills which come before the Oireachtas annually. The Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill and the Finance Bill are extremely detailed, complex and lengthy and it is staggering that the Leader thinks we have sufficient time to debate them today and tomorrow. I appreciate that there is a statutory requirement in regard to the Finance Bill. However, we have spent a good deal of time in the House dealing with issues of far less importance. There is no prospect at this point that we will deal with the number of amendments tabled, regardless of how expeditiously we deal with them. I ask the Leader to consider seriously Senator Hayes's suggestion to extend the time available to us, particularly on Committee Stage.

I read with some interest over the weekend remarks attributed to the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Noel Dempsey, in regard to third level fees. He appears to be rethinking the possibility of introducing such fees in some form next year. I am sure the Leader will agree that whatever about the merits of the issue, the uncertainty is causing some disturbance to those who may or may not be facing a considerable bill in a few months' time. Perhaps she will indicate when she expects the Minister to produce the expected report on third level fees. Will she ensure once it is produced the Minister will come to the House to debate the issue?

On the amount of paper we use in this House, I was looking through the Finance Bill which includes an interesting provision whereby the Revenue Commissioners can oblige persons to make electronic tax returns in some cases. It seems the Revenue is moving rapidly along the lines of obliging people to use electronic means of communication. Perhaps we should give a lead in this House by doing something similar.