Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

That is what I believed. I often saw people standing up at the end of similar debates to speak. I was under different orders tonight. Being a good person I wished to obey orders. I will obey the direction of the Leas-Chathaoirleach.

I am pleased to wind up the debate. I am sorry that Senator Daly was cut short, but the allocated time was up. I welcome the strong debate we have had. As the Minister of State, Deputy Kitt, has stated, it would be an odd day if there was no disquiet, debate or opposing viewpoints. We would really be worried about ourselves in that case. We were expecting Senator Ross to participate with varied comments.

I did not hear any alternative put forward by Senator Ross. That left me to believe that the Senator wanted a free for all, including mayhem, mishaps, etc. The Senator spoke in glowing terms of the American input, but they got a great deal in their taxation arrangements. Equally, they received a good deal because they were coming into a workforce which would guarantee relative industrial calm. That was a very good arrangement to come into. We are very appreciative of what that section contributes to this country.

Senator Ross did not give his own ideas about how we might conduct ourselves, so we are at a loss to know. The alternative to having agreement is a free for all. Nobody wishes to return to the period when there were such conditions in the country. Senator Mansergh spoke of an article which appeared in Senator Ross's newspaper last week. The article was not in the Senator's pages, but the main pages of the newspaper. The article was very critical of what was termed "pussycat" Government and "pussycat" unions, and the potential outcome of partnership.

I accept that Senator Ryan's disquiet about the arrangements for the TUI in the institutes of technology. I have spoken to people in the institute of technology in Athlone, who brought forward their ideas to me. I hope, whether the problems are textual or related to terminology, that they can be worked through. It is very important that the TUI be brought in. It serves a significant purpose in this country, and it is a fine union both at second and third level. I have always had the most excellent of relationships with the union. I hope the matters can be resolved.

Perhaps the matter is only textual. On reading it myself I believed it so. The words were strong in the arrangement laid out. Perhaps they can be looked at.

I thank everybody who contributed to the debate. It was a full discussion, particularly with the Taoiseach here. Debate came from all around the House and from all parties. I thank the two Ministers of State who attended, Deputies Treacy and Tom Kitt. It was an open and frankdebate

The Taoiseach stated he would like this House to be the lead in debating the partnership at regular intervals. He also spoke of having the principals before the House to discuss the arrangements. I thank all for what I regard as a very satisfactory debate with a good bite at theend.