Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I refer to all panels in this House and not just to the one whose representatives seem to be the most vocal. That is the nature of their panel but ultimately we are all Members in our own right and all have individual and collective responsibility.

Senators Ellis and Feeney called for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to come to the House to discuss the decisions of the Constituency Commission and the difficult position of the electorate in Leitrim and in many constituencies, including my own. Senator Ellis and I would not be Members of Seanad Éireann were it not for a commission that disenfranchised the people who wanted to come out in their hundreds to re-elect us to Dáil Éireann. Had Senator Ellis and I not been appointed to the Seanad, it is quite possible that they would not be as well represented as they are at present. Having taken this into account, one must conclude that no county should be left without a Member in Dáil Éireann. That is what this proposal is about and I will have no difficulty inviting the Minister to the House to discuss it.

Senators Hannigan and Doherty referred to the Irish community in the United Kingdom. The British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body met at the weekend and discussed Irish emigrants. People who went to work in these destinations have grown old and have little support. During his 20 year membership of the Seanad, Paschal Mooney was a champion of the emigrant and I acknowledge that today. I will be briefed by him from time to time in regard to what we should do. As Leader, I am lucky to have his friendship. I have no difficulty in setting aside time for such a debate.

Senator Pearse Doherty raised the issue of transport to, and matters in, the west. Perhaps we can have a debate on the Border, midlands and west region, which would very welcome. The BMW region covers nearly all the Connacht-Ulster constituency and Longford-Westmeath, which has now been included for the European Parliament elections. I cannot let the occasion pass without saying that never has as much money been spent on infrastructure in the west as is being spent at present.