Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

There was some comment about the utilities. Fine Gael, as I understand it, has no intention of disposing of the gas network or the electricity supply network, and that will not arise. That is merely by way of clarification.

In advance of the debate tomorrow, I have a further question to the Leader. Will a document be made available to Members on the proposed memorandum of understanding? I understood it might not be finalised. Is there some hint that there is a large section in it dealing with competition? There is some confusion about the totality of what it might contain.

In a general sense we have learned here this morning how important language is, and I am not going to risk anything. Verbal discipline is most important for all politicians. Politicians, of course, are notoriously not good at it but we need to be given the situation we are in and what Government, not only this one but its successor, must continue to deal with. I urge on all a degree of verbal discipline and restraint. It might do us good in the season we are in.