Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, to the House. He has informed me he wishes to make a statement to the House. For the information of the House, Article 28.8 of the Constitution provides that every member of the Government shall have the right to attend and be heard in each House of the Oireachtas. Before I call the Minister, I want to make it clear that I will not allow any debate on the matter. Once the Minister has made his contribution, the matter is closed. I call on the Minister-----