The acting Leader of the Opposition, Senator MacSharry, and the majority of Members of the House raised the question of the murder of Mr. Pat Finucane, rightly so, and referred to this morning's interview with Mr. Ed Moloney. The murder of Mr. Finucane was one of a number of cases which gave rise to allegations of collusion on the part of the security forces, and the British and Irish Governments agreed in 2001 to appoint a judge of international standing to investigate these cases. Judge Peter Cory recommended a public inquiry in five of those cases and, on foot of the recommendation, the Smithwick tribunal was established by resolutions of the Dáil and the Seanad in 2005. The Smithwick tribunal, as the House will be aware, is concluding its work. It is a matter of public record that the Government disagrees strongly with the decision of the British Government last year not to conduct a public inquiry into the murder of Mr. Finucane and that remains the position of the Government. While welcoming the apology from the British Prime Minister, the aim of the Government is to pursue what was agreed, that there would be a full public inquiry into the murder of Mr. Finucane. That is the unequivocal position. The Taoiseach relayed that to the British Prime Minister prior to him making the announcement in the House of Commons yesterday. The House can rest assured that the Government will continue to pursue the British Government to honour the agreements that were made on this issue a number of years ago. It is necessary for there to be a public inquiry and for all the facts relating to the murder of Mr. Finucane to come out. The Government will pursue that matter.

Senator MacSharry also mentioned the banking debt and promissory notes and the Social Welfare Bill. There will be ample opportunity next week to discuss the Social Welfare Bill in the House. On the banking debt and promissory notes, to which other Members referred, as soon as we are back I will try to arrange a debate on the question of banking and, I hope, by that time we may have reached some agreement on the banking debt and the promissory notes. I am sure such an agreement will be welcomed by every Member of the House when that happens. It is not a question of whether it will happen; it is a question of when it will happen.

Senator Bacik raised the issues of the respite care grant and the vital need for a thorough examination of the health service plan for the provision of respite care. I agree with the Senator in that regard.

Senator Norris called for an investigation into the conduct of the media during the presidential election and other issues. It is a matter the Senator should raise with the Oireachtas joint committee that is dealing with it. The committee may decide to hold an investigation into it. That should be the forum that should hold such an investigation.

I note Senator Conway's comments on the budgetary process. We will see what we can do in that regard.

I am glad to note that Senator Leyden sorted out the student grant for the student whom he mentioned on Tuesday last. Of course, I do not know whether the Senator has received fees from Senator Norris for the promotion of his wonderful book.

Senator Norris might do a performance in Roscommon.

It came as a delightful surprise.

Senator Leyden did an excellent job on it.

Senator Leyden is wasted here.

In response to Senator Cullinane, I think I addressed the points on the budget. The Social Welfare Bill will be discussed next week.

Senator Michael Mullins raised the issue of the illegal importation of cigarettes and having the penalties fit these crimes. It is a matter which has been raised with the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter.

We need to have debates with the Minister and I shall arrange one early in the new year.

Senator Paul Coghlan referred to allegations made by a Member of the House in regard to NAMA. He asked that people check their facts first and I am sure everybody agrees with his request.

Senator Colm Burke mentioned the Presidency of the EU for the next six months and that the Commission's work programme had been published. As the House is aware, I sought extra resources for us in order that we could deal with the work programme and select a number of items from it. While we have not been granted the resources, I still intend to arrange a debate on the work programme and to select a number of items for discussion. We must inform ourselves and will have to reach an agreement. If the resources will not be provided we will have to provide them ourselves and I shall see what I can do in that regard. I have invited the MEPs to address the House during the Presidency and I am confident a number of commissioners will also attend. European affairs will have a greater hearing in the House in the next six months.

Senator Crown referred to a proposed change announced in a newspaper. However, Members should not believe everything they read in the newspapers. If the announcement is true, it is a serious situation which needs to be clarified by the Minister for Health.The message would interfere with the duties of GPs. It would be deplorable if such a missive were given to GPs urging them not to refer their patients to certain consultants. I am sure the Minister will clarify the matter. He will be in the House later and perhaps he will clarify the matter during the debate. I have covered the majority of items raised.