I refer to Nos. 11 and 14, which are on the Order Paper since June. Both of them relate to our brothers and sisters who operate in local authorities, county councillors.

I know there is an upcoming election and that people do not want to rock the boat for those in the Lower House but our brothers and sisters in local authorities deserve our care. We will be knocking on their doors soon enough. They deserve our care and a debate on this issue.

Some of them are knocking already.

Yes, indeed. I have been asked by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection-----

They are in constant contact.

-----to prepare a report and the Tánaiste has said that she would bring such a report, if I prepared it, to the Cabinet. I have been frustrated at every turn. I have written to everybody and asked for submissions. I am receiving e-mails from councillors every day of the week advising me what this or that Senator told them, or of which newsletter they got from this or that Senator. Not one Senator has written to me on the issue of PRSI. It is a god-damn outrage.

Perhaps that says something about the Senator.

If the Senator would allow me continue, I am one of the few voices in this Chamber who can speak for the 194 independent councillors.

I do not believe that. We are all in contact-----

-----and I will make damn sure they know it.

The Senator should stop his solo run now.

And his intemperate language.

Allow Senator Craughwell to continue without interruption.

The only solo run that is going on around here-----

Has the Senator a question for the Leader?

My question for the Leader is a simple one. Will I be treated with the dignity to which I am entitled as a Member of the Oireachtas and be given the information I requested? That is my first question. Second, will two items on the clár, motion No. 11, dated 17 June, and motion No. 14-----

Those motions can be taken during Private Members' time.

From where will I get Private Members' time? I do not even have speaking time here but for the Cathaoirleach's good grace.

The Senator is speaking now.

At least the Cathaoirleach behaves in an impartial manner and I deeply respect him for that.

There are other Members' names to those motions.

There are other names to those motions but I would be the lead one. Fianna Fáil supported me on motion No. 11 and all our names are appended to motion No. 14. Lets not be afraid. Let us discuss this issue openly.