Alex White (Labour)

Senator Fitzgerald is correct: the sooner the people — I was going to say "ourselves", but we do not count in the same way as the people — are put out of their misery and an election is finally called the better. It is somewhat odd to suggest it is regrettable that such questions as the civil partnership provisions in the finance Bill cannot be or are not being dealt with now. It is strange to suggest they can only be dealth with by the Government now. They could be dealt with quickly and expeditiously within a short period. It is possible for parties other than Fianna Fáil to bring forward legislation and run the country. This will be possible and these matters will be addressed quickly by whoever is in government once the new Dáil convenes, which is as it should be.

Will the Leader address an issue raised in the House previously? Will he give a report at this late stage or an indication on whether any progress has been made on the missing children's hot line? I believe Senator O'Toole and others have raised this issue. Apparently, a number has been set aside by ComReg for this important facility. If I am not mistaken, there is a European directive to the effect that such a service should be introduced. Some 12 countries have done so but we have not. The number is available, but no funding has been allocated by the Government to enable the facility to be made available. I realise people have other things on their mind, but will the Leader give me an indication of where the matter stands with the Government?