Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Education and the future of the Seanad are the two issues that have dominated the Order of Business this morning. The Taoiseach gave a commitment to the people prior to the last general election that he would held a referendum on the future of this House. It is the people who will decide whether it is to continue, not the Taoiseach or anybody here. We have heard rumours in the last week. I was told by Members that there would be a Bill next week to provide for the holding of a referendum on the future of the Seanad, but there is no truth whatsoever in that assertion. I was then told we would have a Bill in January. I have checked the position and there is no truth in that assertion either. The one thing that is certain is that there will be a referendum on the future of the Seanad in 2012. That commitment has been given. In the meantime, no matter which way the referendum goes, this Seanad will continue to serve until the next general election. To the best of my knowledge, that is what is contained in the Constitution.