Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I support the call made by Senator Finucane and others regarding our farming community. As has been stated by many speakers, including Senator Dardis, those of us who attended the meetings yesterday took up what was said at them. It is very important that we support the Taoiseach and that he manages to hold the line because we do not need to see our farmers suffer anymore. There is a great threat there. I also take on board Senator Mansergh's argument about the lack of credibility in the UK on this issue.

I strongly support the remarks of Senator O'Toole because all we were doing and want to do is to follow the prime example given by the former Taoiseach and President, Éamon de Valera, when he introduced the provision that the country would be called Éire as Gaeilge and Ireland in English. All we are seeking is bilingualism. In view of this we will, as suggested by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, introduce the necessary amendment to the Official Languages Act. I hope there will be all-party agreement to it.