Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Many Senators correctly offered their congratulations to the cardinal designate, Archbishop Seán Brady. It is a joyous day for the people of Ireland. He is a brilliant man and a shining example in what he has done and achieved. He has now been acknowledged by His Holiness the Holy Father to receive this great honour. I want to be associated with our vote of congratulations to the archbishop on his appointment. Senators Wilson and Reilly referred to a near neighbour of ours getting such a wonderful acknowledgement of what he has done through his lifetime. I know he will enhance the College of Cardinals and we wish him well. We look forward to the safe pair of hands and guiding spirit which he has shown throughout his career.

I also want to be associated with the many votes of congratulations for Anne Enright. I think of the old cliché of Ireland as the land of the saints and scholars. On the one hand Archbishop Brady has been appointed a cardinal and on the other hand we have the achievement of Anne Enright. In my role of Chairman of the Committee on Enterprise and Small Business in the last Dáil, I visited countries throughout the world. Everywhere I went I found that Ireland, as a small nation, was acknowledged as having the best people for going forward and helping out. The best ambassadors we ever had were our religious and literary people. It a proud day for Ireland to get such acknowledgements.

I join Senator Healy Eames regarding the tragedy in Galway city. It is horrific to see these things happening in Ireland today. A debate on crime is on the agenda for the House this week. I look forward to many Senators making proposals and I hope the Minister and the Department will take them on board to see what can be done to assist the Garda and to alleviate the latest scourge, as a result of which life does not have the value it had many years ago.

Susie Long's death was a terrible tragedy. On behalf of public representatives of all political parties, I say it should not have happened and it is to be hoped lessons will have been learned. This should not happen ever again. A very brilliant lady was lost and I extend my sympathy to her husband and family and everyone else associated with this tragedy. A service was not available but, in fairness to the Government, €15 million was invested in this area this year. Whatever is going wrong in the Health Service Executive, responsibility should be called to bear.