Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

Will the Leader make available to the Opposition the Government's proposed legislative programme for the rest of this session? It is right that the Opposition should be made aware of the Government's legislative plans for the remaining five to seven weeks. I understand 11 Seanad Bills, which received extensive consideration in this House, have yet to be placed on the Dáil Order Paper. I ask the Leader to make available to Opposition Senators the Government's precise legislative programme between now and the end of this session.

The Cathaoirleach and other Members will be aware that in the Dáil yesterday the Taoiseach stated only the super-rich should have to pay third level fees. The Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Noel Dempsey, believes that if one takes three holidays per year, one should not have to pay fees. Will the Leader make time available today for the Minister to make a statement in the House, particularly in light of the fact that my party raised this matter last October and the Minister had no difficulty coming before us on that occasion? Would it be possible to arrange an emergency debate for today?

There is considerable muddle surrounding this issue. The Minster seems intent on another Kamikaze run concerning his proposal in this area. It is clear that he has no support from the Government or Opposition benches, that he has been dumped upon by the Taoiseach and that he is going to be left on very difficult ground.