Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Leader when the review of the community employment schemes will be published. Perhaps he would give the date of publication.

I join Senator Pat O'Neill and Senator Michael Comiskey in calling for a debate on local authority rates. This is a significant issue, especially for small businesses, and is causing enormous hardship for many. I am aware of a case where the rates on a premises in a county town amount to €15,000. The premises has recently been leased. Before the person opens the door a bill of €15,000 is due to the local authority. This is a scandal in the current economic climate. I ask the Leader to arrange for an urgent debate with the Minister, Deputy Hogan on the rates issue. I welcome him back, having witnessed him walking around the House on a number of occasions yesterday. As my colleague, Senator Ó Domhnaill, said, he looks well. Perhaps I should request Senator Landy to ask him to come to the House because he appears to have more luck with him than the Leader. Will the Leader invite the Minister to come to the House to discuss the local government reforms he proposes to introduce early next year. He owes it to the House to give us an opportunity to debate local government reform. While he ignores the House and the views of elected councillors, perhaps he would do us the courtesy of coming to the House. I ask the Leader and Senator Landy to speak to the Minister and invite him to come to the House.