Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

We should give ourselves a pat on the back from time to time. There should be a half-hour good news slot in the Seanad and in the Dáil, and in all arms of the media, every day. We are a resilient people. Despite all the negativity we are still achieving much.

Senators McCarthy and Ellis called for a debate on the constituencies. The hearts of everyone in the House go out to Senator Ellis and the people of Leitrim who, following the commission's report yesterday, have practically no chance of ever electing a Deputy. I will allow a half-day debate on this issue in the House with the Minister present and I will pass on Senator Ellis's strong view that no legislation should be contemplated without the views of both Houses on what has happened being taken into account.