Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

Why is No. 25, a motion in the name of the Leader dealing with the Curtin affair, still on the Order Paper? Is it linked to the apparent failure of the Government to accept the former judge's resignation from the Bench? I understand the matter has been resolved, yet the motion remains on the Order Paper. Given that the Joint Committee on Article 35.4.1° of the Constitution and Section 39 of the Courts of Justice Act 1924 has concluded its work and the Government has allegedly accepted the former judge's resignation, why is this the case? Will the Leader give her views on the matter? Perhaps the House could dispose of the motion today if an opportunity arises.

I also understand the joint committee gave a commitment to make a report to the House concerning future legislation that may be required in this area. Will a report issue to the House?

Why have a budget given that most of the detail of yesterday's budget was leaked and appeared in the newspapers last Sunday? I welcome the introduction of a small increase in mortgage interest relief for first-time buyers, even if it amounts to only €30 per week for a couple, most of which will be eaten up by increases in interest rates. The big loser from the budget was the Tánaiste. Despite all his huffing and puffing, stamp duty was not changed. We were led up a certain garden path to find that nothing had changed.