Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

It is not; it is the law. Senator Bannon's interest in independent candidates is laudatory.

Senator Feighan referred to the banking institutions. That issue was raised by Senator Ross yesterday and was echoed by others who called for a wider debate on it.

Senator Paddy Burke asked about the Water Services Bill. It is scheduled for June. Since Second Stage, the Department has engaged in a considerable consultative exercise, something it should have done before it got through Second Stage. This is a point we put forward in our report. It is something in which we, in this Chamber, should engage. Many changes are contemplated to the Water Services Bill but Committee Stage is scheduled for June.

On the request for more time for Second Stage of the Twenty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution Bill, I will keep a watch and will come back to the House if necessary.