Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

I welcome the fact that a statement will be made by Senator Callely, a Taoiseach's nominee to this House, and the clarification that the statement will be made. However, the matter cannot end there. I want clarification from the Leader on that point. This is an issue of alleged fraud which was highlighted in the Sunday Independent article on this matter. We in this House will be judged not on this incident per se but on how we deal with it. It is critical there is full and detailed examination of the issue. A statement will be made. What is the procedure which follows? Will the matter be referred to the Committee on Members' Interests of Seanad Éireann? Will there be the opportunity for a proper debate in this House in order that we can give our views and assessment as to whether the explanation, which presumably will be given shortly by Senator Callely, bears scrutiny? I raised this issue yesterday. The committee, if it is examining this issue, should examine any other similar cases which have occurred since this Seanad came into being in 2007 where someone has claimed a principal residence which does not stand up to scrutiny. I would appreciate it if the Leader could clarify these points.