David Norris (Independent)

As one can imagine, I agree very much with what Senator Mullins said. I hope his comments will be borne in mind when the Committee on Procedure and Privileges examines three complaints I will be laying before it before the weekend.

Let me consider the question of the appointment of Mr. Cardiff to the European Court of Auditors. Everybody has named him. I do not suppose we should but we know whom we are talking about. I asked a question on this very same subject so I support strongly what the leader of Fianna Fáil said. I seems the problem is causing us embarrassment. I asked yesterday whether instructions had gone out from party headquarters to Members of the European Parliament and it was indicated to me that no such instructions were given. This does not seem to be accurate because the comments of Ms Nessa Childers, MEP, of the Labour Party, and the position taken up by Mr. Seán Kelly, MEP, seem to be at variance with this. I would like an explanation for that.

Will the Deputy Leader state whether and when the Government will introduce proposed legislation on the issue of privacy, which legislation has been hanging in abeyance for many years?