Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I am coming to the question. It now seems to be Government policy to blame the officials. Senator Daly blames the media. However, last weekend the magazine section of The Sunday Times carried a very good analytical piece on the Irish economy and Irish banking institutions. It did not blame the Government but condemned it on its policy and lack of regulation. Has the Government now abdicated its role in governing and is it now apportioning blame to the civil servants, the spin doctors and the media? Does the Leader concur with this viewpoint, namely, that it is not the Government's fault but rather that of all the people I mentioned?

Might the House have a debate on sport, as a matter of urgency? I raised this matter on numerous occasions. The Gaelic Players Association had a briefing today with Members of both Houses. The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism has abandoned the sports capital programme and there is internal rivalry between the Irish Sports Council and the Olympic Council of Ireland. It is desirable, therefore, that we would have a debate on sport as a matter of urgency.