Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

When we were elected in 2002, the challenge then was the high cost of insurance for small and family-run businesses, private and commercial motorists etc., but now it has moved to energy costs. Whether it is gas, electricity or whatever, this is now an enormous challenge, especially for small and family businesses. I certainly will take an active role on this if re-elected.

Senators Ryan, Dardis, Coghlan, Hayes, Norris, Leyden and O'Meara all expressed delight at the release of Alan Johnston. I join with that because it was wonderful to wake up and hear the lead story of the day as a good news item. How many times do we wake up and hear nothing but bad news? This morning, however, all Members of the House join in welcoming the release of this man who has suffered immensely. We wish Mr. Johnston and his family all the joy in the world. We hope he can get his life back, which I would say will take considerable time.

Senator Norris, as usual, is proposing an amendment in respect of No. 24 on the Order of Business, the Civil Partnership Bill 2004. As the Senator knows, the Order of Business for the day was agreed earlier with the group leaders——