Mary White (Fianna Fail)

Yes. It is a question for the Taoisaech via the Leader. Last week I made the point that we cannot just talk about austerity. We need a commitment from this Government for an accelerated recovery programme. We must put on the agenda, in the context of this EU treaty, the plans for jobs and for accelerating growth in the country and not just talk about austerity. I ask the Taoiseach to come to the House over the next four weeks to spell out his programme for Ireland and for its participation in the EU Community. He has not come to the House yet and I am very disappointed. It is an absolute disgrace that he has not come to the House. Under the Constitution, the Seanad is part of the Oireachtas.