Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Leyden and other Members spoke about critical comments made about the Referendum Commission. I am sure it will take on board Senator Leyden's advice in this matter. The Senator also raised the issue of local authority rates. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, attended the House last week and I reiterate that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, will attend for a question and answer session in early November.

Senator Conway also referred to the Referendum Commission and sought a debate on libel laws, broadcasting and the role of the media, matters that have been raised by other Members. I will arrange an early discourse. Senator MacSharry raised the issue of the Keane report, to which I responded, as I did with Senator Bacik.

Senator D'Arcy mentioned restoring the good name of this country in Europe which is what the Government is about and has been about for the past six months. It will continue to try to redress the problem we had in recent years.