Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I completely agree with the Senator that it has been going on for too long.

I wholeheartedly welcome the support of Fianna Fáil, which Senator Darragh O'Brien outlined, for the referendum on the fiscal compact, which will be of paramount importance in stabilising the economic situation in Europe. It will also be another vital step on the road to rebuilding Ireland's economy. As previous speakers indicated, the Seanad will play an important role in the debate on this matter. Long before the decision to hold the referendum was taken, the House had already determined that it would debate the fiscal compact in detail. We have already made arrangements for an information day for Members to be held in the audio-visual, AV, room on 8 March next. In addition, we will have a very constructive and detailed debate on every aspect of the fiscal compact. The Seanad will, therefore, play its part in the debate leading up to the referendum.

Senator Darragh O'Brien also referred to ComReg and An Post. I will try to obtain an update for him in respect of that matter.

I support the remarks made by Senator Whelan, particularly in respect of the household charge and the methods of payment relating thereto. There is certainly a need for local authorities to take a more active role with regard to this issue. The Senator stated that An Post should be involved in the payment process relating to the charge. He should remember that there will be a need for An Post to be competitive in its activities.

Senator Norris referred to pulling down the European project. I am obliged to ask where Ireland would be in the context of human rights and social policy if it was not a member of the European Union.