Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I hope I will be canvassing in Donegal on that day.

Senators Hayes, Cummins and Glynn drew attention to the terrible problem of suicide in this country and referred to the 450 people who die in this way every year. Senator Cummins told me before the Order of Business that he would bring this to the attention of the House this morning. I thank Senators Cummins and Glynn for calling on the Minister for Health and Children to deal with the problem in a very meaningful way. I will pass on their proposal for a research centre to the Minister after the Order of Business.

Senators Quinn and Ó Murchú had strong views on the lifelong contribution of Tony Blair to politics and asked that he and former President of the United States Bill Clinton be honoured in some way by the Houses of the Oireachtas or the people of Ireland. Reference was made to the close working relationship that the Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, has had with these two figures. It has been significant over recent years. I will pass on the views of the Senators after the Order of Business.

Senators Feeney and Henry expressed strong views on anorexia and the lack of treatment for this problem. They stated there is particular need for educating young people in this regard. It is a serious challenge and I am sure the next Seanad will allow sufficient time to discuss it with the Minister.

Senator Ó Murchú made a very fine contribution on matters raised in the Seanad and on the guidance offered therein. The Chamber has been a very honest broker in very difficult times and has allowed Members to address in a truthful way issues that may not have been popular at the time they were raised. It has since been proven that their views were correct.

Senator Daly thanked the people of his native Clare for supporting him and sending him here to be their representative. I thank the Senators for all they have done for the Seanad during the years for which they have been Members. As Senator Lydon said, very many of us may have made our last speech, but I hope the wisdom of the electorate will be such that we will be returned to the House. If so, we will look forward to serving the nation with great pride and honour, and we will be privileged to do so. In the meantime, the decision rests with the electorate. I wish colleagues well and look forward to upholding the high regard in which this Chamber has been held. The high standard of debate that has taken place in the House is a credit to all the Members who have served here over the years.