Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Frances Fitzgerald paid tribute to the late great Anthony Clare. I join her in acknowledging that this great man made a marvellous contribution to those who were most in need. He was a genuine decent friend and a wonderful man. He made a huge contribution to the lives of hundreds of families throughout the country. I salute everything he did and achieved. I extend our condolences to his family at this very difficult time. As we all know, a sudden death in a family is extremely difficult. I assure his family that we acknowledge the achievements of this excellent man and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

Senators Fitzgerald, Norris, Regan and Coghlan expressed concern and put forward proposals in regard to pensions. As the Cathaoirleach said, Members will have an opportunity to express their views in this regard after the Order of Business when the Markets in Financial Instruments and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2007 will be taken. I have no difficulty in stating my opinion on the matter. If a person is entitled to a pension, having worked long and hard for it, I am sure there is no more caring Minister than the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen. The Senator opposite and I, who come from midland counties, as does the Minister, will be aware that the Minister was not reared with a silver spoon as were many people in various walks of life. He knows the importance of a pension to a family and to the person who has worked hard for that entitlement.

I acknowledge all the Minister did when he was Minister for Health. He would have had first-hand experience of this area when he held that portfolio. Members can make their views known to him on the debate on that Bill.

Senators Fitzgerald, Hannigan, McCarthy, Coghlan, Twomey and others made known their views on road safety. I agree a major challenge faces the Government on this issue, but it must be said that from the 21 July 2005 to 20 July 2006 more than 80 lives were saved because of the introduction of random breath testing. I acknowledge that legislation was introduced under the previous Government. Fair comment is always welcome in this House, but to say there was not anything done to address this problem is unfair. Having chaired the committee that was responsible for making the introduction of random breath testing possible, I know the party members who supported me when I presided over the hard decision that had to be made on its introduction. I do not want to embarrass any Member here but no Member of any party on the opposite side supported me when I made the proposal and——