Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I wish to raise two issues on the Order of Business. Could the Leader request the Minister for Transport to come to the House early next week to make a statement on the rules and regulations governing private airfields? Following the story that has developed over the past few days, it seems that I could set up a private airfield tomorrow with no need for the presence of customs officers or members of the Garda Síochána. Anyone could fly into the aerodrome bringing whatever they like, legal or illegal. Very wealthy people who use executive jets can enter and leave the country without anyone knowing the cargo of the aeroplane. It is very important that the Minister make a statement on the regulations.

There was a sigh of relief when the Progressive Democrats came out from under their beds and gave qualified support to the Taoiseach following the controversy of recent days. As an experienced former Minister in many Departments serving in many Governments, has the Leader ever come across a senior Minister being offered or accepting money for speaking in his capacity as Minister at an engagement or a series of engagements?