Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

I wish to add to the observations on the ban on Brazilian beef. I worked for the Irish Farmers Association and represented their interests in Brussels during the 1970s. I agree with Senator O'Toole on the effectiveness of the IFA as a professional lobbying body. The work done by the IFA and other farming organisations in highlighting the difference in the treatment of farmers and beef producers in countries such as Brazil and in the European Union has been vindicated and the decision of the European Commission is very welcome.

The legislative programme for the spring was circulated to us this week. Our leader, Senator Frances Fitzgerald, made the point that we had little legislation in the previous session. It is an issue which also arises in the Dáil. The current legislative programme is very modest. Given the work we did in the previous session, does any real prospect exist of us getting through it or of the Government fulfilling this programme?

The Government is distracted and after a short time in office it has lost its way. I understand why it is distracted. We saw it yesterday with new revelations about the Taoiseach. We also find that when any of his stories, whether with regard to his connection to the Phoenix Park casino issue, his contacts with the tax authorities or his dig-out stories in the Mahon tribunal, are put under close scrutiny they do not bear up and the Taoiseach has been found out.