Joe O'Toole (Independent)

It may save money in printing costs perhaps, but the cover is made of at least 100 gram paper and that means many more trees have to be cut down. The management of waste is important to Members on both sides of the House. If it is the case that, because the tax laws regarding such matters as VAT are so convoluted, irrational and illogical, we can save on VAT by wasting more paper and killing more trees, then that matter should be examined and we should do so today. It can also be raised during consideration of the Finance Bill.

I approve of the fact that the Government is spending a lot of money to develop e-government so that Members can conduct business electronically. There is no reason that we each cannot have electronic screens in front of us in the Chamber and read the Order Paper electronically and so save on paper costs. I ask the Leader to investigate whether this can be done in the House.

I asked the Leader previously for a debate on the finances of the health services. Will she indicate when it is estimated that the report of the committee on the health services, chaired by Niamh Brennan, will be published and when the House will be given the opportunity to discuss it?

The trade union movement will be meeting tomorrow to make a final decision on Sustaining Progress, which I hope will be accepted. I ask for a discussion on this issue which covers many matters, such as housing, that the House should examine. I know that my colleague, Senator Ross, supports my call for a debate on this subject.