Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

Since last week's rather embarrassing U-turn on economic policy by Fianna Fáil, it is clear the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan, has been sent to Coventry. However, I did not think that included non-attendance in the Seanad. Last night's Second Stage debate of the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill was like a scene from Mary Poppins, with approximately five different Ministers popping in and out during the course of the debate, while the Minister was nowhere to be found to hear the views of the six Members who spoke on this important Bill. The Minister is rarely in the House because we have little legislation from his Department here.

Unless there is a guarantee from the Leader and the Government side of the House that the Minister will be in the House to take Committee Stage of the Bill today, we will not participate in the debate and I will oppose the Order of Business. It is not good enough that a Minister who sponsors a Bill is not in the House for debate on it. Three excellent contributions were made by Fianna Fáil Senators last night, two by Fine Gael and one by a member of the Labour Party, yet the Minister was not——