Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

As leader of the largest Opposition group, I am making the point on the Order of Business that this must be clarified in the near future so the matter is resolved once and for all, not only for the Taoiseach himself but for the Office of the Taoiseach, which has been so consistently important in the State.

When will the Government allow time to debate the reports of the Morris and Barr tribunals? Senator Bannon asked about this on the last day of the previous session and it is necessary that we debate both reports. The tribunals were established by the Oireachtas and the reports should be discussed in the House as soon as possible.

On behalf of all Senators, I wish a speedy recovery to a Garda sergeant who was shot today on the Monasterboice Road while doing his job and risking his life and that of his colleagues by confronting particular criminals. It underlines the threat posed to the Garda Síochána by the gun culture that grips this country. We should all send him our best wishes for a speedy recovery.