Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

Members raise many issues to good effect in this House in respect of the standards that are applied in FÁS, the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, Anglo Irish Bank and so on, and in respect of the practices of Deputies Bertie Ahern, O'Dea and Fahey, especially the latter's sham lost at sea scheme. Members have highlighted issues, emphasised standards and made a contribution in that regard. Therefore, when an issue arises about a Member of this House such as the expenses issue that was highlighted in the Sunday Independent concerning Senator Callely, it brings the entire House into disrepute. It is a question of allowing Senator Callely to explain himself. It is important, therefore, that the Leader would deal with this matter expeditiously. If there has been malpractice by a Member of the House in this regard, it must be dealt with and have consequences.

It is a question of leadership because there is a tendency on the part of Brian Cowen and the entire party the Senator represents to give unqualified support to their friends in the party, without any critical analysis of what is right and wrong.