Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I second the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by the Leader of the Opposition, Senator Darragh O'Brien, concerning the statement made by the German Minister for European Affairs, Mr. Link, that the Government was not anxious to hold a referendum on the fiscal treaty. Perhaps that is what it wanted, but we will see in the next 24 hours whether there will be a referendum held on the issue. A referendum would allow the people to decide whether it was in their best interests to agree to the treaty. Of course, other issues would arise. Let there be no doubt that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar, is correct that other issues that have arisen since the Government took office less than one year ago would come into the frame in hoding a referendum. Let there be a referendum and let us have a good debate on other issues affecting every constituency, particularly my constituency of Roscommon-South Leitrim in which the commitment to retain services at Roscommon County Hospital has been reneged on.

In the light of the fact that business is due to be completed at 5.45 p.m., I ask the Leader of the House about the commitment given last week to have Committee Stage of the excellent Bill produced by Senator John Kelly, the Wind Turbines Bill 2012, taken today. A discussion took place at a meeting of Roscommon County Council on the difficulties connected with the proposed construction of a turbine at Dysart and Sliabh Bán. People are delighted with Senator Kelly for bringing forward the Bill. I am more than anxious to have it debated today, as my party supports it. I, therefore, propose that at 5.45 p.m., after the House has completed its other business, Committee Stage of the Wind Turbines Bill 2012 be taken and, probably, completed this evening.