Deputy Martin asked about the Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Bill and the Taoiseach said it would not be debated before close of business. Does that mean close of business tonight or close of business before the election? There is another Seanad electoral reform Bill before the House, which is identical to the one proposed by Senator Quinn and passed in the Seanad. Will the Taoiseach give time for that Bill, or are we simply going to get time for a debate on a report? That will mean Seanad reform is buried. The Taoiseach will be well aware that many of us were trotted around to his office twice in the past year for talks on Seanad reform. Is he going to confirm now that those talks have led to absolutely nothing and we will have to go into the next electoral cycle before reform is considered?

A number of reports and Bills have been presented. We had a decision in 1979 in respect of the university panels and we have had reports in the meantime.

What I committed to was to provide an opportunity to debate the report presented by a group of individuals who served in the Seanad and have no personal interest in it other than their views as to how it might be improved. I gave a commitment that the House would have an opportunity to debate the report. I do not foresee the introduction of new legislation in respect of the Seanad during the current Dáil.