I support my colleagues who like me have been very agitated over this press release on which there was an embargo until 11 a.m. today.

It is an awful pity that it did not come out last week before we had begun the-----

Perhaps that is why it did not come out.

We will probably be told that tomorrow night. There are lies and total lies in the statement from the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton. I ask the Leader for an urgent debate with the Minister before Report Stage commences tomorrow night at 7 p.m.

I ask the Senator to withdraw the word "lie".

I will change it to "allegation". When I read a figure that I know in my heart and soul cannot be substantiated by not alone the Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton, but the Cabinet, and what attempts he has made in the past to reform the Seanad-----

Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

Would it be possible to ask the Minister concerned, Deputy Richard Bruton, to come before the Seanad prior to the commencement of Report Stage, which I understand will begin tomorrow night at 7 p.m.? He could come some time today or tomorrow. I want the figures quantified. I want to ask the Minister what reforms he initiated while in government in the past.

The Senator should propose it.

I propose it.

I am sure Senator Wilson will second it.

I propose to the Leader that the Minister involved with Seanad abolition is brought to the House before Report Stage commences tomorrow evening.

He should be hung, drawn and quartered.

I second the proposal from my colleague, Senator Brennan. It is ironic that the two-----

He did not propose an amendment to the Order of Business.

I am aware of that.

He did.

He made a proposal to the Leader.

I second his proposal.

Will you ask him to clarify the position, a Chathaoirligh?

He asked a question of the Leader in the form of a proposal.

Did he get the proposal? Could you ask him to clarify?

He has not proposed an amendment to the Order of Business.

Will you ask him to clarify, a Chathaoirligh?

I have not proposed an amendment to the Order of Business.

The Senator has not. I am disappointed.

I second the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by Senator Darragh O'Brien. I wholeheartedly agree with what colleagues on the other side have said about the press release issued by the Minister, Deputy Bruton. It is ironic that the two Ministers that have been asked to steer the legislation through this House are the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes – two of the people who tried to get rid of the Taoiseach shortly before the previous general election. This is payback time on the part of the Taoiseach. It is a cynical move on his part.

Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?