Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

The Defamation Bill is on the Order Paper, having been reintroduced on Committee Stage. I understand the Leader previously indicated it would be introduced on Second Stage given that 35 of the 60 Senators are new to the House. It is regrettable it is being introduced on Committee Stage but perhaps the Leader might comment on it.

The Leader has indicated the Taoiseach will come to the House in December, during which visit I would like him to address a number of issues. One is the date for the referendum on the EU reform treaty and whether it is proposed to hold the referendum on children's rights on the same date. The second issue is the loss of competitiveness in the economy in the light of the annual report of the National Competitiveness Council last week. Third, in the interest of confidence in the office of the Taoiseach, he should make a full and frank explanation of the €300,000 lodged to his personal accounts in 1994 and 1995 in the light of the sworn evidence and documentary proof which flatly contradicts his story as told to RTE and the Dáil last year.

An issue was raised about publications in the media this week. Later we will discuss the Defamation Bill, which contains a provision on fair and reasonable publication on a matter of public importance. I express the view——