Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I support Senator White's request for a debate on aging. Unlike Senator Terry, I must declare an interest. As she said, however, life expectancy has increased by about ten years in the last 30 years. People are living longer, which leads to problems not just with those in work but with people who have Alzheimer's disease and similar conditions. It would be an appropriate subject for the Seanad to discuss.

Senator Finucane — I mention him partly to show that I recognise him today — and Senator Leyden raised the question of energy costs. That brings us into a broader debate about inflation because these are inflationary pressures and they might be dealt with by a variation in excise duty. Perhaps the Minister of Finance might come into the House to discuss inflation because it is beginning to creep up.

I support the Members who have referred to the Oireachtas Library. It is currently a triumph of form over function. It would be nice to have an 18th century drawing room but, basically, we want a working library, which I hope can be achieved.