Joe O'Toole (Independent)

If the publicans say they will not apply the law, they must listen and deal with the effects of their actions afterwards. The same applies to the bin protesters. It is hugely important to reach a balance in dealing with the issue. We must allow people the right to protest, but people cannot be stopped from doing their work. It is not acceptable to stop ordinary people doing their work. There must be a different way of protesting and we must find that balance.

A serious issue was raised with the Taoiseach yesterday in the other House by the Leader of the Opposition about answering questions in the House. This is an important issue. The reasons the Taoiseach gave were fair. However, I would have been much happier if he said that for reasons of security it was decided not to make the information public. This would have been in order. Governments are allowed to have some unspoken thoughts and we do not need to be told everything that is happening behind the scenes. This, however, has not helped trust and confidence. I do not have any difficulty with the Government or with people meeting the parts of the IRA they need to meet to advance the cause of peace. The Taoiseach should not be required to make that information available at all times. However, it would be better if we were told that was the reason rather than now being told he regrets not informing the Houses. There might have been good reasons for not informing the Houses at the time.

There are still five or six Seanad Bills before the Dáil. We are losing out as a result of that. Many of those Bills were pushed through this House at a rate of knots in order to accommodate the other House, but they seem to have stopped dead on the other side. What is going on in that regard?

I seek an answer to the question raised by Senator Brian Hayes about whether the Minister for Transport will be here tonight. He has a lot to say to everyone else. One cannot turn on the radio without hearing him. I hope he will be here tonight to speak to us.