Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I look forward to her contribution to the work of the new Commission, which includes the challenge of overseeing the implementation of the Lisbon treaty. When we heard the news yesterday evening we discussed the possibility of bringing it before the Committee on Procedure and Privileges with a view to inviting the Commissioner to the House at the earliest opportunity.

In regard to the call for an amendment to the Order of Business, I have done my best to accede to Members' requests in this regard. I am informed that the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, is booked solid for all of this week and that the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, is out of the country. However, I will endeavour to facilitate a debate as soon as possible and certainly before 1 December.

The Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, has excelled since taking over the finance portfolio at a very difficult time. He clarified his position in a straightforward fashion when he indicated on the late television news last night that nobody in the banking sector will be paid more than €500,000. Like Senator Quinn, I am a customer of Allied Irish Banks, as most of us in this House probably are.