Senator Boyhan raised the very important issue of live cattle exports to the Middle East and the allegations surrounding such exports. None of us can condone the mistreatment of animals. As the Senator rightly said, the cases highlighted by him illustrate the need for traceability. We pride ourselves, in particular, on the excellence of the beef we produce. I hope we can stand over it. I will have the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Michael Creed, come to the House to discuss the matter.

Senator McDowell mentioned the Citizens' Assembly. Notwithstanding the Leas-Chathaoirleach's very fine ruling that it is a matter for the Committee of Procedure and Privileges which will discuss it next week, it will be a joint committee of the Houses of the Oireachtas. Its composition will be a matter for debate, but I hope all sides of this House and the Dáil will be represented on it.

On Senator Craughwell's point, if he is happy to accept my position, I have always acted in good faith and do not want to divide the House. The Minister, Deputy Flanagan, is travelling to the North. It is a matter of national security. The Senator is right to raise it and I would be happy to work with him to ensure that there is no compromising.

Senator Craughwell has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That the Minister for Defence come to the House to explain an agreement signed between this country and the United Kingdom granting permission to the United Kingdom to scramble fighter jets in Irish airspace." Does he wish to comment?

In light of what the Leader has said, clearly there is a conflict between the two of us as to which Department is responsible.

I have checked with both Departments and it is the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

I need a little bit of time.

Is Senator Craughwell pressing the amendment?

When we are talking about military aircraft and military people, to my mind it is the Department of Defence.

We cannot debate it. You are entitled to press it if you wish.

There is no point in us arguing. I just want a few seconds. When we are talking about the sovereignty of the State, it falls to the Oireachtas alone to make decisions. I would pursue the matter but I will not force a division of the House today, in deference to the Leader's offer for me to meet with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.