The 2013 budget gave a commitment to publish legislation to deal with the ongoing anomaly of Independent Deputies receiving upwards of €45,000 and €48,000 tax-free in the form of a leader's allowance. When can we expect to see the legislation to deal with that issue of people getting these tax-free lump sums into their hands? I have raised another issue here in recent weeks that is particularly relevant in today's context. I requested that time be given in the House for a debate on the disappeared. This issue has long taxed a number of Members of this House. People have raised it on a number of occasions. Particularly in light of a recent television documentary on this, a debate in this House is long overdue and may provide some Members with an opportunity to bring forward information that may be relevant.

The legislation on the leader's allowances paid to Independent Members is in the Seanad and will be in this House early in the new year. A Dáil debate on the disappeared has been discussed at Whips' meetings but legislative business has been prioritised. I will ask the Chief Whip to address it again.