My question relates to the Supplementary Estimate for this year which the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has indicated will be necessary for the Department of Health.

As I said, the current position-----

Sometimes the motions are put without debate. Supplementary Estimates can be taken without debate but I am putting a marker down-----

The Supplementary Estimate will be discussed at the meeting of the Select Sub-Committee on Health tomorrow at 9.30 a.m.

I am not talking about committees but about a plenary session of the Dáil. Can we have a debate on the Supplementary Estimate for the Department of Health?

The Fianna Fáil spokesperson on health is aware of the agenda for the committee meeting.

As Deputy Martin knows, Supplementary Estimates are always referred to the relevant committees and as Deputy Buttimer has pointed out-----

I am requesting that the Estimate be debated in plenary session in the House.

We are not having a discussion on this now.

Deputy Buttimer, as Chairman of the committee, has pointed out that the facility to debate the Supplementary Estimate will be available at the meeting of the Select Sub-Committee on Health, which Deputy Martin is entitled to attend if he wishes.

As leader of the Opposition, I am asking for Government time, in a plenary session of the Dáil, to discuss the Supplementary Estimate for the Department of Health.

We have lots to do in government.

I beg your pardon?

We have lots to do with Government time.

Does that mean the Taoiseach will not provide time for a debate on the Supplementary Estimate?

The Fianna Fáil spokesperson on health will have the opportunity to attend the committee meeting and make his case there.

Deputy Kelleher, my party's spokesperson on health, has just indicated that he was given a commitment that the Supplementary Estimate would be discussed in the Dáil Chamber.

I suggest that the Whips discuss this issue. We cannot have a debate about it now.