Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

I wish to raise a number of important issues. Senator Darragh O'Brien's proposed amendment to the Order of Business is extremely important because it would allow the Seanad to discuss, with a Minister, a matter of some significance. I appeal to Labour Party Members and the Independents nominated by the Taoiseach to support the amendment and not just to simply to vote with the Government as a matter of routine. It is vital that we discuss this issue in order that the people might obtain clarity in respect of it.

I would welcome it if the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade came before the House to discuss the Wikileaks allegations. Some serious allegations were made by US Embassy staff to the effect that, for political purposes, the Tánaiste said one thing in private and another in public. Are the Tánaiste's statements on water charges simply public statements made for political purposes? Is the position the same on his statements and those of his party on the JLCs? These are the questions members of the public are asking. Until the Tánaiste provides answers in the House, we will not have clarity on the relevant issues.

Another crucial matter is the ownership of nursing homes. A nursing home company in the United Kingdom which manages 31,000 beds has gone out of business and been placed in liquidation. As a result, authorities in the United Kingdom will be obliged to care for the people affected at a significant cost. It it vital that legislation aimed at limiting the number of beds which particular companies in this country can own and manage be brought forward. The consequences of a nursing home company going into liquidation and thereby leaving the State with responsibility for the care of its customers are too serious to contemplate.