I called for it weeks ago in this House.

I am responding to Senator Byrne in his absence. Fianna Fáil has been panicked into a position to abandon water charges for an undefined period, a position not accounted for in the party's pre-budget submission. Typically, Fianna Fáil is just making up a contradictory policy as it goes along. There is no doubt in anyone's mind that radically reforming the water system for the benefit of society is a challenging task. It is the type of reform that was purposely ignored by Fianna Fáil during its 14 years in power when the country was awash with money. Fianna Fáil does not have a coherent policy on water charges.

We do. We have been very clear.

Its original deal with the troika envisaged a €400 annual charge dating from last year with no allowances. Fianna Fáil does not know where it is on the matter.

I thank Senator Cummins for his critique. We have a very clear policy on water. We will take what he said on board.

The Leader should be allowed to speak, without interruption.

If the Senator thinks there is confusion on Irish Water within the Government, there is no policy where Fianna Fáil is concerned. The party has dithered from one way to another on numerous occasions and will continue to do so.

I referred previously to what Senator MacSharry said on the beef crisis. Senator Bradford called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to come to the House for a debate on the undocumented Irish and the need for stronger links with the Republican Party as a result of its success in the mid-term elections.

Senator Healy Eames called on the Minister for Education and Science to come to the House to address the issue of international schools and the damage it is doing to our reputation abroad. I agree that is the case. We have seen many vulnerable students lose their money. I am aware the matter is one the Minister is attempting to address, but I will endeavour to bring her to the House to discuss the matter in early course. Senator Ó Domhnaill also made points about Irish Water.

I replied to a number of speakers who made points but who are no longer in the House. I will not do so in future. I will do my best but it is difficult. I do not wish to look across to the Opposition and see those who are missing when I cannot see who is missing from this side. It is not very nice that people from whatever party would come to the House and try to make a political or other point and then run to the media to give a press release and not listen to a response.

Senator Cummins is correct.

That has gone on in this House for far too long. I cannot solve the issue. Members should look into their own hearts and examine the manner in which they conduct themselves in the House.