Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

Fine Gael's leader in the Seanad, Senator Brian Hayes, raised some important issues and we look forward to hearing the Leader's response. I am sure we all believe the President acted wisely in referring the Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill to the Supreme Court in order to test its constitutionality. Senators O'Meara, Mansergh and Maurice Hayes have already referred to the court decision regarding solicitors and the PIAB. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to attend this House to explain the consequences of yesterday's High Court decision in that case? I had predicted this outcome both on Second Stage and on Committee Stage when we debated that Bill in this House. I felt that the client-solicitor relationship is a sine qua non, so to speak, within our democracy, as regards the common good. I look forward to hearing the Leader on that subject, and hopefully she can arrange for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, to come before the House.