I have two items to raise. Before I do, in light of the tragedy at Glenamuck Road and the Travellers who lost their lives, I want to take the opportunity to commend An Garda Síochána on the enormous compassion shown at the Sandyford Community Centre. In the aftermath of their own tragedy, the gardaí have been hugely supportive and shown great empathy for all the Travellers who have come to that centre and it should go on the record that in spite of their own troubles, they have been hugely compassionate to the community.

I thank the Taoiseach for clarifying that the election will be held on the other side of Christmas. This is because he wants to do the job and continue the job and mandate.

What legislation is involved in that?

It ties in with the Taoiseach's stated intention last week when I raised the matter that the one-year bankruptcy Bill championed by Deputy Penrose be brought forward as quickly as possible because the Attorney General has given it the all clear, as I understand the Taoiseach is aware.

Therefore there is no impediment, no obstacle, no distraction of an election before Christmas. This should now be the spearhead priority-----

I think the Deputy has made his point, thank you.

-----given that there are 38,000 deeply distressed mortgage householders who want to avail of this but cannot because they have family commitments and children in school.

The only tax that was imposed yesterday in the budget was a 5% increase in the price of a packet of cigarettes. Why, given that there is still dithering on the Gambling Control Bill, could the Government not have put a 2.5% levy on gambling turnover in Ireland which would have raised €125 million-----

We cannot discuss the budget now. We are commencing the debate just after this.

Opportunity: open goal missed.

Beat up the smokers again.

I have already clarified the position in so far as elections are concerned between now and the end of the year. I commend Deputy Mathews’ comments on the gardaí and their considered actions in regard to the tragedy at Glenamuck.

In respect of the bankruptcy Bill, we have to deal with the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest legislation and the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2016, Haddington Road, the Finance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2015 and the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2015.

Suicides could be avoided with the bankruptcy Bill.

With the help of the parties we could maybe move things through, such as the Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2015 and the Legal Service Regulation Bill 2011. I will consult with the Chief Whip in respect of the bankruptcy Bill that the Deputy mentions.