Anybody who was listening to "Morning Ireland" this morning heard a nurse from St. Vincent's Hospital. I do not believe anybody can blame the nursing staff for taking the action they are taking. On a number of occasions, I have myself lain in St. Vincent's in the middle of the accident and emergency department, having been admitted with chest pain, and I can tell the Leader it is not a nice experience. I do not know how they work in it.

We have the FEMPI Bill going through the House at the moment. Yesterday I asked the Minister, Deputy Howlin, if voting on the Bill was going to be whipped. The Minister did not answer. I want to know if I am wasting my time coming in here tomorrow for Committee Stage.

The Senator will not be wasting his time. I have tabled amendments for tomorrow.

I need to know if we are going to go through a charade here purely to satisfy public opinion or if we are genuinely taking the Bill as this House should.

With respect to my colleagues who have put down a Private Members' Bill this afternoon regarding the Seanad Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2015, I compliment them for bringing it forward. There will be support from the other side of the House for that Bill because it extends voting rights to the proper electorate for this House pending any reform that might take place in the future.

Would the Leader organise a debate with the relevant Minister regarding the closing date for nominations for the next Seanad election? It is wrong-----

That is set down in law, Senator.

No, it is at the Minister's discretion. The Minister has discretion as to when he calls-----

It is a ministerial order but-----

The Minister can close nominations on the same day he closes them for the Dáil. There are many professional Senators in here-----

Who?

They may find themselves running against Ministers who lose their seats in the next election.

There will be a few.

At the end of the day, I believe the Seanad is a separate and distinct House.

That is a matter for the Minister.

This is an important matter. It requires clarification.

I think it is a matter for the Leader to ask the Minister and I am asking the Leader if he would be prepared to do so.