Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

It is for this House to take a decision on it and I am calling for a debate. I ask the Deputy Leader to accede to my request. The matter has been examined. The last time it was discussed in the House it was referred to the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which has decided that the Ombudsman's report should be rejected. However, it is for the House to decide on its position. It is important not only in terms of the Office of the Ombudsman, but also in terms of the Oireachtas committee system that Deputies and Senators can act in an independent, objective and non-partisan manner.