Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes raised the case of Senator Higgins, an issue on which there is complete agreement among all parties, as we saw during the debate on the Order of Business. Senator Hayes has asked that the Minister for Finance come before the House to explain the failure to indemnify Senator Higgins. We will deal with the case of the Member of this House, which is not to downgrade Deputy Howlin. An explanation is needed because any Member of the House could be affected in this way at any time. Senator Hayes was correct in what he said. The Minister for Finance will come before the House tomorrow for the debate on the motion regarding the Ombudsman and we can ask whether he will return for a debate on the case of Senator Higgins.