Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I am praising the Leader. It is clear to me from every session that both sides of the House are delighted to have a Member of the calibre of Senator O'Rourke to lead the House. She does her job vigorously and makes the Seanad dynamic and exciting. I get bored if matters are not moving fast, but she sets the pace and makes them exciting.

I compliment Senator Henry on tabling this amendment. The last time I met the Minister I asked him quietly to implement the 60:40 ratio for the new tourism board. That ratio is critical and part of the programme for Government. I feel strongly about this as there are as many good women out there as men for appointment to State boards. While I have been a member of boards, I also had to retire from the Office of Public Works in 1969 when I got married. I agree totally with Senator O'Rourke that only for the European Union we would still be waiting for something to happen.