Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Those events were not of our doing. For example, the oil crisis was a considerable challenge. I ask Senators to be patient. When levelling off is necessary, Senators should be honourable and honest enough to acknowledge it as a good thing.

I respect Senator Twomey, who I have known for a long time. I am not being patronising. Yesterday, I pointed out that the House's membership includes eminent legal and medical professionals. Why do both professions not get together under the stewardship of the party leaders to develop a suitable motion on how to address the challenge of cocaine usage? I seek the assistance of those with the expertise to help the House to advance the debate and to help the Minister to address the challenge facing the Departments.

I congratulate the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, on her contribution yesterday. I have been a Senator for almost 26 years. The Minister was well briefed and she gave that information to the House for three hours or longer in the questions and answers session. I thank party leaders for their co-operation and all Senators for how the debate was conducted. I hope Seanad Éireann's future lies in that direction. We can make a meaningful contribution to Parliament once this process is established. I thank the Minister for everything she is doing and for an uplifting session.

I wish Professor Keane well in his new position. He is briefing the Minister and the Taoiseach this morning. I am convinced the Minister is up to the challenge and will succeed. Having watched Ministers over many years, her contribution was enlightening and uplifting.

Senator Twomey referred to transport in Dublin. I can set aside time for a debate on that issue and the serious issue of the Leas Cross nursing home. I will try to get an update on the current situation from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and revert to the House tomorrow morning.

I do not know whether Senator O'Toole was being mischievous or whether he really——