Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I join with other speakers in requesting the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte to come to the House for a debate not only on the RTE debacle but the behaviour of the press in general. We have come to a point where we must reflect seriously on the sweeping powers of the press. I encourage my colleague, Senator Mullins who has made salient points that he should pass on the additional information he has to the Garda Síochána for criminal investigation because it sounds as if it warrants that.

A number of Members have called for a debate on the budget. I think it would be a good idea if we were to consider a lengthy pre budget debate in both Houses. In other countries the Budget Statement is effectively a summation of a period of deliberation, discussion and analysis of pre-budget submissions and various different proposals in the parliaments. I think the kite flying and leaks that happened in the past couple of weeks and indeed over the years is most unhelpful. That deliberation and discussion should happen in the parliamentary structure and the budget speech on budget day should be a summation of the best that has emanated for it.

A final point.