John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

In the Senator's case, I imagine it would be several years. The other aspect of this matter is the degree to which newspaper reports now seem to be the currency of the Order of Business. Yesterday the House debated at length an incorrect newspaper report regarding the cervical cancer vaccine. When the vaccine becomes available, as it will in the next few months, it will be available to everybody regardless of whether they have a medical card or are with the VHI.

The same situation pertains this morning based on a newspaper report and the matter was dealt with in the morning's news bulletins. Like the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste has concerns about the costs of the tribunal and, as we all do, about the length of time the tribunal might go on. It was confirmed this morning that the figures being quoted were basically correct but what nobody has suggested is that the tribunal should end. The House could usefully debate this matter. As Senator Brian Hayes stated correctly, tribunals were established by the Houses of the Oireachtas. It is my understanding there can only be one chairman of a tribunal while he or she can have the assistance of others, but the chairman cannot be put aside.

I thank Senator O'Toole for his helpful comments with regard to the identities of the parties in Government——