Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)

Before I call Senator Fitzgerald on the Order of Business, I wish to refer briefly to No. 2 on the Order Paper. As the House will be aware, I informed all Members by letter that Senator Callely had initiated judicial review proceedings in the High Court against the seven members of the Committee on Members' Interests of Seanad Éireann, the committee and Seanad Éireann. The House is required by the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Acts to authorise a legal team to conduct a defence of the legal proceedings. Under Standing Orders, this function is assigned to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges on behalf of the House and the committee has already met to discuss the matter. The Leader has proposed that No. 2 be taken without debate. The case is due to be heard in the High Court next week. I, therefore, ask each Member to refrain from commenting on the case. I look forward to receiving their co-operation in the matter.