Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Darragh O'Brien and many other speakers welcomed the announcement by the Minister of a public inquiry into the treatment of Fr. Reynolds by RTE. The decision is to be welcomed by everyone and I hope the inquiry will be full and comprehensive and deal with all the matters arising.

The public consultation committee laid down times for those attending proceedings and its timetable will be adhered to. It was agreed by the public consultation committee that proceedings would conclude at 5 p.m. On Tuesday next, the House will have a presentation from some experts in the field and people involved with older people. We are, therefore, giving more than adequate time to this matter, although we will give more if necessary.

On the call by a number of Senators for a pre-budget debate, I have tried to secure a Minister for such a debate but it is difficult at this point with the budget looming. I have, however, secured the services of the Minister of State, Deputy Hayes, who will come before the House for not longer than one and a half hours. He has cancelled several appointments in his diary to come to the House. I will accede to requests by Senators in this matter and the debate will be arranged for next week as there would not be any point holding it the following week.