I ask for the Chair's indulgence with regard to an issue I wish to raise. I know the Cathaoirleach is a sports-loving person. On Sunday next my home town of Ballinasloe will play in an all-Ireland club final in Croke Park against the Kerry champions, Kenmare.

The match will be broadcast on local radio.

We are in danger of being seriously understrength because one of our star players is serving with the Irish peacekeeping mission in Lebanon and is, unfortunately, unable to secure unpaid leave to enable him to play.

The Cathaoirleach is not available for the game.

The Army authorities have been very accommodating up to now. The difficulty arose because the semi-final had to be replayed on two occasions and the player in question took leave at the time the final was fixed for originally. Will the Leader intervene with the Minister for Defence and the Army authorities to secure three day's unpaid leave for this man?

The Senator could ask the Leader about this outside the Chamber.

This young fellow is a role model for young people. Sport is very -----

This is a not a matter for the Order of Business but for the Minister or the Adjournment. The Senator should take it up with the Minister for Defence.

There is huge hype in the town of Ballinasloe this weekend and it would be a shame if this young fellow could not realise his ambition of being in Croke Park on the biggest occasion in his sporting career to date.

There are other avenues open to the Senator to raise this issue.