Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

In one of his last acts, the former Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy, set a cap on the lawyers' fees at tribunals to come into effect from 31 March 2007. I wish to ascertain whether this is still the Government's position. I note that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, is still in discussion with the Mahon tribunal. Does the Leader agree that, in respect of the authority of the Oireachtas, it would make more sense for a body such as the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission or a select committee of both Houses to negotiate in future with the tribunals rather than a line Minister?

I raise this issue in the context of the difficulty experienced by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform with the Mahon tribunal some weeks ago. It subsequently emerged that the Mahon tribunal had written to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, the previous week, stating clearly that it intended to finish its work by early 2008. However, this information was not put into the public domain. The tribunals are creatures of the Oireachtas and are answerable to it, not to one wing or section of it. It would make more sense for the Oireachtas to organise and control its relationships with such tribunals in order that, ultimately, they would report to the Oireachtas on the progress or lack thereof in respect of their investigations. This would be considerably less partisan than the present relationship that exists between a Minister or group of Ministers and the tribunals. I ask the Government to consider this proposal in respect of both future and existing tribunals.

I note and welcome the current visit to Lebanon of Minister for Defence. Will the Leader make time for a brief debate in this House on the Minister's return home in which he would report on the situation in Lebanon for our troops and on the general highly volatile political situation? When the Oireachtas commits troops to other parts of the world, Members of both Houses do so. Members should review the progress of our troops on the ground. It would be good for the families at home to see that the Houses of the Oireachtas are debating the matter. Will the Leader provide time for the Minister to come to the House to make a report and to have a debate on that basis?

I note in today's edition of The Irish Times that the President put her stamp of approval on an excellent project in County Meath called Fáilte Isteach, in which a group of citizens have come together to offer English classes to foreign nationals living in Ireland. This is an excellent project, which could be replicated throughout the State. I commend the President's support for this work and we need to support such a practical, community-led initiative to help people master the English language.