Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

Will the Leader arrange a debate with the Minister for Finance, Deputy McCreevy, as early as possible in order that he can outline the Government's rationale for continuing to fail to support the case of Senator Higgins and Deputy Howlin which will shortly come before the courts? As she is aware, the Committee on Procedure and Privileges recently requested the Minister to indemnify the legal costs of both Members. We discovered recently that he had failed to do so and to support the Members financially in their case, as has the Government. This is a very serious matter which should be taken out of the private setting of meetings of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. A full public debate with the Minister should be held immediately.