Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I agree completely with the Senator that there is no such need.

Senator O'Keeffe called for a debate on the register of lobbyists and I certainly will try to arrange such a debate on this highly important issue. Senator Mullen indicated his intention to introduce a Bill next week on the disclosure of overpayments and Members will have ample time to discuss that issue next week. In response to Senator Ó Clochartaigh, I agreed yesterday to have a debate next week on the recently-held referendum. As I indicated to Senator Darragh O'Brien yesterday, that debate will take place next Thursday. As for a debate on poverty, the Minister for Social Protection has come into the House several times but I am sure she would be willing to return again at a later stage. In respect of Senator Noone's point regarding the Taoiseach, he certainly will appear in the Seanad before the end of the term. In reply to Senator Wilson, Members will use the same procedure as was used when all previous taoisigh came into the House.