I welcome all colleagues back to the House. On a sad note, Members will be expressing their deepest sympathy to the family of Michael J. Noonan of Bruff, County Limerick, who was a former Minister, a former Deputy and a former councillor. He was an extremely capable and wonderful politician and a gentleman with whom I served in government and the Dáil. I believe all Members will agree their sympathy will be expressed to the family.

I compliment the Leader of the House, Senator Cummins. To thine own self be true and as Leader of this House, he has expressed confidence in this House. I commend him for his courageous stand. It does not surprise me because he named individuals here who attacked this House one time. He is someone of outstanding ability and his stand has been greatly appreciated and will be regarded by many.

I must record my personal disappointment regarding someone from my home town of Roscommon. He is an eminent man, a prominent and well paid civil servant who has defended jobs well in Ireland for a long time and is someone for whom I have great respect, namely, Kieran Mulvey. However, I am very disappointed that he would come out in favour of a "Yes" vote. He seems to have little regard-----

Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

I have. Where are the standards in respect of civil servants who can involve themselves in a position that would deprive - not the 60 Senators who are all well capable of fending for themselves in some way - but the 60 staff members who will be affected? All his life, Mr. Mulvey has concerned himself with the welfare of staff but he has shown little concern for the welfare of the staff in this House.

I second the proposal by Senator-----

The Senator is an experienced Member and should not be referring to people who are not here to defend themselves or who are outside the House.

I have such experience that I second the proposal made by Senator Darragh O'Brien.