Senator Barrett again raised the allegations made by a former Member of the House who is now a Minister of State to the effect that a senior Fianna Fáil Senator allegedly offered him a bribe to stay "onside", as is stated in the relevant newspaper article. As I stated yesterday, the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, is a friend of mine and I like him. However, this is a very serious matter. The Minister of State has alleged, in a newspaper published in his native county, that a Member of the previous Seanad who is also a member of my party offered him a bribe to remain onside. The Minister of State did not report this matter to the Standards in Public Office Commission or the Garda. This is the first occasion that anyone in the Seanad has heard the allegation, which forms a substantial part of the relevant newspaper article. I am of the view that the article is slanderous of all of us in this House. Basically, it implies that we are only here for the money and jobs for life.

The Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, previously served in this House and was appointed as one of the Taoiseach's 11 nominees. Perhaps someone might examine his voting record during the period in question because, as I recall, he spent more time paired with another current Minister of State, Deputy Alan Kelly, than he did as a Member of the House.

Does the Senator have a question for the Leader on the Order of Business?

This was prior to his decision to join Fine Gael in opposition, which was his right because this is a democracy.

The Minister of State is currently a Member of the Lower House. Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

With respect, he was previously a Member of this House and he has made an allegation in respect of his time here. The matter should be clarified by the Minister of State before the day is out. There is no point in proposing an amendment to the Order of Business to the effect that he should come before us because he is out of the country at present. Tabling an amendment would only place the Leader in a difficult situation in any event. It should not be beyond the Minister of State to lift the phone and contact the Leader or the Cathaoirleach in order to clarify the position. He could also contact members of the media. I am of the view that it is no coincidence that the latter have not mentioned this issue in the newspapers for which they write today.

The Senator is way over time.

The Minister of State is a member of the Government and this is a very serious matter. He should clarify the position, particularly as what has been said is a reflection on every Member of the House.

I did not have time to do so yesterday so I take this opportunity to congratulate the Cavan women's Gaelic football team who won the all-Ireland intermediate football final on Sunday last in Croke Park. I was very glad to be present for the occasion. The game, in which Tipperary also took part, was excellent.

We were robbed.

Tipperary performed very well. I congratulate the Cavan team, which has been there or thereabouts for many years. The efforts of its members paid off in the end.