Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Keaveney's request to the Leader to extend the sympathies of the House to Nessa Childers, MEP, on the death of Mrs. Rita Childers, the widow of the late President, Mr. Erskine Childers.

I ask the Leader, in light of Senator Walsh's contribution, when the House will discuss No. 31, motion 4 in the name of numerous Senators, including me, which addresses the serious issue of the fees charged by barristers in this difficult time. Senator Walsh has shown courage in raising this issue in the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party and the House. I support his campaign because it is incredible that in these times barristers should receive more than €10 million in a certain period.

What is the position regarding No. 19 on the Order Paper, the Opposition legislation, the Seanad Electoral (Panel Members)(Amendment) Bill 2008, which proposes to extend the Seanad list by giving the Local Authority Members Association a right to nominate a candidate on the administrative panel. I believed, prima facie, that LAMA should have the same right as other organisations to nominate candidates. It would be worthwhile to debate this legislation. What is its status?

I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Social Protection to come to House to discuss a range of issues. I wish specifically to raise the issue of councillors paying PRSI and a pension levy when they are not entitled to a pension on retirement. I am sure this anomaly is also close to the Cathaoirleach's heart. I ask the Leader to arrange a discussion with the Minister.