Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I support Senator Twomey's call for ongoing debates on the economy. We are all interested in the progress of the national development plan. Given the frightening unfolding budgetary situation, it is important that the Leader allow periodic reviews of the matter in a general sense.

Yesterday, the Lower House debated the recommendations of the Constituency Commission's report. There has been a significant delay in the introduction of the requisite legislation and, while the Minister stated that a Bill was on its way, I do not know when it will be published. Will the Leader enlighten the House? Members of all sides of both Houses have varying and divergent opinions on the recommendations. We must be cognisant of the fact that Mr. Justice Clarke, in his 2007 judgment, stated that there should be a minimum delay in giving legislative effect to the independent commission's reports and findings. Will the Leader comment or allow a debate in this regard? It would be timely to consider the matter even in the absence of a Bill and to revert to it after the Bill's publication. Will the Leader also arrange for a debate on the report on local electoral areas, which is due shortly?