Senator Darragh O'Brien and many other Senators referred to the proposed sale of the State's stake in Aer Lingus. The neck of Fianna Fáil when it comes to Aer Lingus never ceases to amaze me. As has been correctly pointed out, in 2006 a previous Fianna Fáil-led Government sold 74.9% of the State's stake in the company. Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú described the proposed deal as the sale of the national airline. The national airline was sold in 2006 when a 74.9% stake in it was sold under Fianna Fáil's watch. Aer Lingus was privatised at that point, as even the birds in the trees know. Fianna Fáil Senators can try to twist it any way they wish to suit their political needs, but it will no longer wash. As usual, we must listen to the prophets of doom.

Will the Government give a commitment to return the money it cut from the pension fund?

Please allow the Leader to continue, without interruption.

Senator Darragh O'Brien has a habit of interrupting practically every speaker. He was not interrupted once and it is about time he listened rather than chirp in with comments all the time.

I am trying to get answers to my questions.

The Senator will receive answers to his questions.

There is the lack of a gender balance on the other side of the House.

We will have a greater gender balance after the next general election.

The fact that all of the airports involved in the operation of the Heathrow Airport slots have welcomed the proposed deal is an indication of the confidence they have in the guarantee given. No such guarantee is in place. The Government has secured a seven-year guarantee. It has also been in contact with the European Commission on the legal mechanisms provided for and received indications that it will not oppose the guarantee given.

The guarantee holds and will be written, as Senator Paul Coghlan mentioned, into the articles of association. Members have sought a debate on the issue and I have requested that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport come to the House, preferably today, rather than tomorrow. As he is due to debate the issue in the Lower House from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m., I have asked that he come to the Seanad at 9 p.m.

That is fine; we will facilitate that arrangement.

I have not yet received a response from the Minister's office.

When does the Leader think he will get a response?

If it can be facilitated, we will have the debate at 9 p.m.

When does the Leader think we will know?

As soon as I receive word, everybody else - certainly group leaders - will be informed.

I thank the Leader.