John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I extend good wishes to the Cathaoirleach, as I did not have an opportunity to do so on the first day of the new session. The Cathaoirleach will be a fair and even-handed chairman.

I echo the sentiments expressed by previous speakers regarding Garda Sherlock and his brave actions yesterday morning. It is likely that he intervened in the efforts of an armed gang to commit a serious robbery later in the day. In light of the significant increase in such attacks in recent years and Garda Sherlock putting his life on the line, he deserves a great deal of credit. I wish him a full and speedy recovery.

I agree with the views expressed on the state of the economy by Senator MacSharry and I ask that the Minister for Finance attend the House as soon as possible to hold a discussion in the pre-budget atmosphere on Ireland's economic outlook for the next 12 months and further. I hope the Minister will take part in such a discussion at his earliest possible convenience.

I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to partake in a debate on the outbreaks of several livestock diseases in the neighbouring island. The debate should take place as soon as possible because these diseases could have a potentially devastating impact on our livestock industry. We are familiar with tackling the problems caused by foot and mouth disease and must be vigilant in view of the numerous outbreaks of that disease in the United Kingdom. The latest outbreak of bluetongue disease has the potential to wreak havoc in the agricultural sector. I call for the Minister to outline to the House the Government's strategy in this regard. I have heard only snippets of her comments in recent days. We must prevent the arrival of this disease on our shores.

I echo the sentiments of Senator Fitzgerald in requesting a change to the Order of Business to facilitate a discussion on Shannon Airport. This debate should take place today, if possible. I understand the grave reservations Senator Leyden has expressed. However, the facilitation of such a debate will give him, along with other Government Members, the opportunity to express those concerns and, in concurrence with the Opposition, to ensure the Government uses its existing share-holding in Aer Lingus to retain the Heathrow slots at Shannon Airport.