I am again compelled to raise the unfortunate issue of the McNulty debacle. From listening in the corridors last night and this morning, I am aware oil was poured on troubled waters at the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party meeting and its members seem happy there is no heave against the Taoiseach. While that may be the case, there are still many questions to be answered-----

That is not relevant to the Order of Business.

Many questions for this House and the public still remain to be answered. Yesterday, I reiterated that the issue of the vacancy of the Seanad seat arose because of Deirdre Clune’s election to the European Parliament. The Seanad by-election concerns this, not the other House. I have demanded and will continue to demand that the Taoiseach come before this House to tender a full explanation to Members about the shenanigans that went on.

A number of outstanding questions remain. The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Heather Humphreys, has not done herself proud in the replies she has given. She mentioned in one of her statements that she wanted regional balance when she appointed Mr. McNulty to the board of IMMA, the Irish Museum of Modern Art. If one reflects on that, she was also aware that he was a potential Seanad by-election candidate and that once he became one, he would have to resign from the board. Is this a simple ruse? The Minister ignored the cap of nine members for the board of IMMA and enlarged it to 11 members, a litle like the banking inquiry shenanigans that happened here some time ago. There is also the further question of why, despite the clear suggestion that a woman would have been the preferred candidate, the Taoiseach and the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht chose to ignore this.

Some are claiming this debacle is over. It is not because the Seanad by-election will take place on 10 October. What if Mr. McNulty is elected by Government party Members? If he is, it will create a serious crisis because he has already withdrawn from the race. Has the Taoiseach directed the Members of his parliamentary party not to vote for him? For anyone to claim this is over-----

We cannot discuss the by-election. This is all speculation.

Whatever way this pans out, these are questions that must be answered. I reiterate my demand that the Taoiseach, no one else, should come before this House to explain what has happened. I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that the Taoiseach come to the House today to answer questions on this issue. A similar amendment was rejected on yesterday’s Order of Business, but this side of the House will keep on insisting on this until the Taoiseach comes into this House and shows respect for this Chamber. In a referendum last year, this Chamber was protected by the people. The issue of the vacancy of a seat here is a matter for the Seanad. It was very remiss of the Taoiseach and the Leader yesterday to reject this proposal. I hope the Deputy Leader today will change the view of the Government side and request the Taoiseach to come to the House. Even if it were for next Tuesday or Wednesday, I would then withdraw my amendment to the Order of Business.

The many unanswered questions concerning the debacle of the McNulty affair which I accept is unfortunate for the man affects the status and dignity of this House. We need these answers and the only person to provide them is the Taoiseach.

With respect, the Senator is flogging a dead horse.

The Taoiseach is not a dead horse. Is the Senator suggesting the Taoiseach is a dead horse?

He and the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Heather Humphreys, have given full explanations. While I know it might not be relevant to the Order of Business, the Taoiseach asked that Mr. McNulty’s wishes be respected.

Does the Senator have a question for the Deputy Leader?

I welcome the revised model for ministerial appointments which is implicit in what Senator Denis O’Donovan is calling for. All of this has been dealt with. A report will be made by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, and brought back to the Cabinet within six weeks. The new model will be operable fully from 1 November which we all respect and support.

I gather there will be an announcement today on Part V of the planning process. While we await the details, I understand it will provide for more flexibility and improve the position on social housing and housing generally.