John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

Whatever about the violence on Sunday between the Dublin and Meath players, I thought we were going to experience violence in the House today between Senators Norris and Mullen.

I again call on the Leader to invite the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to this House. On each occasion since Christmas that I have been present in the House for the Order of Business I have asked for a debate on agriculture with particular reference to the World Trade Talks. Many Members attended the large demonstration last week at which farming organisations expressed their concerns in regard to Commissioner Mandelson's proposals. It would be appropriate that the Minister attend this House sooner rather than later. The Leader might also invite the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy McGuinness, who has responsibility for the World Trade Talks to attend this House with the Minister to hear the legitimate concerns of those involved in agriculture in respect of Commissioner Mandelson's proposals.

I echo some of the sentiments expressed by previous speakers in calling on the Leader to invite the Minister for Finance to this House. There have been several calls on the Leader each week by Government and Opposition Senators to invite the Minister to this Chamber to discuss the public finances, the economy, rising inflation and rising unemployment. It would be appropriate that we hear the views of the Minister for Finance on these particularly important subjects before he assumes the position of Taoiseach.