Denis Landy (Labour)

Will the Leader organise for the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government with responsibility for housing and planning, Deputy Willie Penrose, to attend the House to debate the possibility of the State or local authorities acquiring ghost estates for those on housing lists? This is a pressing issue. Many of these estates are deteriorating by the week which is also affecting their value.

Will the Cathaoirleach clarify the procedure concerning the repetition of requests from Members for certain debates? Yesterday, for example, I called for a debate on the proposed household charges while my colleague, Senator Marie Moloney, called for one on the joint labour committee rates. These issues were raised again today by other Senators. If there could be a response after a request is made, it would prevent the repetitive raising of issues and allow the House to get on to the actual debates on the issues. Will the Cathaoirleach clarify for me as a new Senator how we can get over this repetitive process?