Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

Yesterday in the British newspapers there was a call from the British Government to its consumers to clear their credit card debt in order to help the economy. Perhaps it might be a question more relevant to tomorrow, but I ask the Leader to convey to the Minister for Finance the need to use whatever mechanisms might be available in order to publicise this matter. Some weeks ago I wrote to the Minister for Finance in which I raised the flight of deposits from this country and the need for a more proactive campaign by the Department of Finance to encourage people to leave their deposits here. I am pleased, although it is not anything to do with the letter, to see that there was an increase in the deposits in Irish banks in August.

The other question I wish to raise is relevant to Senator Sheahan's question on tomorrow's session with the Minister for Finance. The Leader will be aware that I raised the question of procedure on how the question and answer sessions should be conducted. I want to repeat that he may give consideration to ensuring that the widest possible number of people who wish to take part in the question and answer session be allowed to do so and that he consider limiting the spokespersons in the various portfolios to the six to ten minutes they have to make their contributions. Surely they have sufficient time to ask a question during their contributions, unlike what happened here yesterday. With no disrespect to those who engaged, I found it quite extraordinary sitting here listening to quite lengthy contributions and then to see the very same people getting up subsequently during the question and answer session and asking questions. I could not figure out the reason they did not ask the question during their contributions. Surely that is what it is about. In the interest of streamlining the matter, I appreciate the Leader has pointed out repeatedly that this is a new system that needs tweaking on a regular basis. I would be interested in his reply in that regard.