John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I agree with Senator O'Toole. I ask the Leader whether, before the close of business tomorrow evening, we can reach agreement across the House on the broadcast levy, as proposed by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, which will have potentially devastating effects on local radio, in particular. There is no need for the House to divide on the issue. Members on both sides are on the same page when it comes to the levy. We should have that discussion before the close of business tomorrow evening.

I agree also with Senator Fitzgerald and others who have referred the Ombudsman's comments carried in the media today on the lost at sea scheme and how the issue was handled in both Houses of the Oireachtas. I ask the Leader for his view on how we might progress the issue because of the serious disparity that has emerged between Ms Emily O'Reilly and the Government parties.

I join Senators Norris and Fitzgerald in raising the case of the businesswoman from County Donegal who e-mailed us yesterday about the plight of her family business which she set up a couple of years ago. She has been advised she would be better off closing it because of the entitlements she would receive if she were in receipt of social welfare, as opposed to keeping it open. That is a shocking statement on the current situation in the country.

When will we have the debate on banking which the Leader has been promising us for one month? It is especially required, given the recent report on what has been going on in AIB and the annual report that has just been published. We should have the debate as soon as possible. What is the point in calling on the Order of Business for a debate if we cannot have one? I do not know what the Leader is hiding or why we cannot have the discussion sought. There are a number of office holders in the Department of Finance.