Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

If it is being done as a smokescreen, it is not working. We should just get on with the business.

Senator Brian Hayes raised the 75% reduction in the number of requests under the freedom of information legislation, a matter raised by the Ombudsman. This matter was debated at length in the Seanad and many Members fought the good fight. As I remember it, the Minister for Finance made a commitment to review the matter and perhaps we could ask the Minister when he proposes to hold a review.

Senator Brian Hayes also raised the Presidency of the European Commission. We would wish it to be an Irishman, but we would like to choose the nominee. Senator O'Toole also referred to the extraordinary work done by the Taoiseach — I will not refer to everybody by name because, as I stated, I will convey the remarks of Senators to the Taoiseach. He also praised the Minister for Finance, for which he will be duly grateful. I think he deserves that praise and I am glad the Senator referred to him.