Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

It is within our remit to do so. Senator Cullinane spoke about health matters and unemployment. We can incorporate unemployment and other matters in the debate on JLCs. It is for Members to focus on the area they wish to dwell on.

Senator Sheahan made an important point about banks and their lending to small businesses. This is a major problem. We may incorporate that matter in the debate on the economy and banks that was called for by other Members.

Senator Leyden referred to the referendum on children and asked why it is not being held in conjunction with the presidential election. Deputy Micheál Martin asked in the Dáil that the referendum not be taken on the same day as the presidential election. Senator Leyden's party colleagues might get their act together in that regard.