SEANAD REPORT: The two most senior Fianna Fáil office holders clashed over the right of Trinity senator and Sunday Independent business editor, Mr Shane Ross, to be in the House.

Mr Ross was one of a number of members who called for a debate on the problems besetting Elan and AIB. He said he could not think of anything worse that could have happened to people's pension funds at the moment than "a collapse in the price of Elan and a disaster for AIB, which is what has happened in the last few days. If we are not alarmed now, corporate Ireland is asleep and we're asleep," said Mr Ross.

Mr Michael Lanigan (FF) said he knew Mr Ross would be writing in the Sunday Independent about matters that had been discussed in the House yesterday.

Mr Ross: "I'm listening."

Mr Lanigan said that members of public bodies were required to leave public meetings if there was a conflict of interest. Did the same rule apply in the Seanad, he asked. "Should somebody who has a direct interest as the national editor of the Sunday Independent be in the House here discussing matters which he has a direct interest in?"

The Cathaoirleach, Mr Brian Mullooly, told Mr Lanigan that he was not in order.

Responding later to his party colleague's comments, the leader of the House, Mr Donie Cassidy, said: "I take the point made by Senator Lanigan and will take it to the CPP (Committee on Procedure and Privileges) for further direction."

Mr Mullooly pointed out that he had already ruled Senator Lanigan's comments as being out of order.