I concur with colleagues' comments on the business and future of the Seanad. While we can debate the future of the Seanad, it is more important at this point to talk about the business of the Seanad. Let us face it - the Seanad is receiving the cold shoulder from the Government, particularly from Ministers.

There is a total lack of coherent debate on very important issues that are affecting people, be it mortgage arrears, negative equity, unemployment or the faltering domestic economy. Only 2% of EU legislation that affects this country is scrutinised by the Oireachtas. Why are we not playing a role in that regard? Why can the Seanad not sit for at least four days each week? Why can it not spend one day every week scrutinising European legislation that affects Irish citizens?

And listening to our MEPs.

We can, of course, listen to our MEPs; there is nothing wrong with that. This year Ireland hosts the Presidency. How many European Commissioners have been here talking about policy?

There is one next week.

None.

If the Senator had been listening to the Order of Business, he would know.

I appeal to the Leader-----

We have dealt with the Order of Business.