Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)

On the issue raised by Senator Ó Murchú of the invitation to Pope Benedict to come to the Eucharistic Congress, this significant event is taking place in Ireland and all Members would be delighted were Pope Benedict to visit Ireland as part of a healing process for many Catholics who have been seriously hurt by the Church's inactivity and inability to deal with issues over the years. I understand from my attendance at a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs that the process dictates the approach would have to come from the Vatican. I heard the Tánaiste, Deputy Gilmore, state that were the Vatican to indicate the Pope was interested in attending, the Government would not be found wanting in issuing that invitation. Will the Deputy Leader confirm with the Tánaiste that this is the position? Everyone would like this event, which is being held in Ireland, to have the highest possible profile because of all the benefits it would have for the country and the people.

I strongly support the call to invite the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, to the House to discuss the proposal he outlined on radio this morning. Members must establish the reason that €25 million in revenue is being lost each year. In addition, they need to know how the revenue collected through the television licence fee is being spent, whether good value for money is being obtained and whether a level playing field exists. In respect of an issue raised by Senator Clune regarding the exorbitant salaries being paid to some people in RTE, Members need to establish whether good value and good bang for our buck is being obtained from the licence fee.