David Norris (Independent)

I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his career. He will be missed. Apart from anything else, God alone knows what we will be landed with in his place. Speaking of which, I welcome back Senator Cassidy whose return shows the Government has been influenced by the Green Party and is intent on a campaign of recycling.

This place is getting more like a nature reserve every day. I think of the great medieval poet who wrote, "Sumer is icumen in. Lhude sing cuccu!" or The Irish Times column which always had letters such as, "I heard a cuckoo today. Is this a record? J. Laytham, Brigadier". There are plenty in the House today. We could rechristen the Senate the cuckoo's nest because of all the people parachuted in for two days to receive parking privileges. This shows how seriously the Government takes this House and how seriously it will take Senator O'Toole's suggestion for Seanad reform.