It is in relation to a matter raised yesterday. During the Order of Business yesterday, Senator Mark MacSharry, who is not present-----

As the Senator is aware we do not refer to people who are absent from the House.

In relation to a matter raised during the Order of Business-----

What is the point of order, Senator?

I ask that comments made in the House yesterday be withdrawn from the record. During a contribution on the accident and emergency units in St. Luke's Hospital Kilkenny and Wexford General Hospital, Senator Mark MacSharry stated that the flippancy of the Taoiseach is not welcome in dealing in what, on the surface, amounts to blatant corruption in most people's eyes. I asked the Senator at that time if this was what he said and asked him to withdraw the remark. Then he said, "on the surface, it would appear to be corrupt."

We dealt with that matter yesterday.

I am asking you, a Chathaoirligh, to rule because he said there is absolutely no way in the wide earthly world that he has any intention of withdrawing that remark.

I ruled on the matter yesterday, that there is no inference that the Taoiseach is involved in corruption in what Senator MacSharry said. He said the flippancy of the Taoiseach is not welcome in dealing with an issue. In my view, there is no-----

I do not see it that way because I believe he is questioning the integrity of the Taoiseach.

The record of the House speaks for itself.