Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I renew my call for a debate on Northern Ireland as it would be timely with Dr. Paisley's announcement to step down. Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Without Dr. Paisley's support and saying "yes", progress in the Northern Ireland process would have stalled. While it was a dramatic conversion for the man, all Members are glad to see devolved government operating well in Northern Ireland. All members would hope Dr. Paisley's successor will continue what he did in the past 12 months.

I am glad the Bill on the Lisbon treaty will soon be published. When will the Taoiseach set the date for the referendum? Yesterday, Senator Regan said much information available on the treaty can be accessed at the European forum and elsewhere. However, the ordinary man on the street knows very little about this treaty. It is essential the Government, without delay, sends out a clear message on what this treaty is all about.

Senators received correspondence today from the nephew of a gentleman who was killed recently in a collision between his car and a train at a manually operated railway crossing near Straide in County Mayo. We should try to get rid of these manually operated crossings. It is essential that automatic barriers be placed in these areas to negate the element of human error. I ask that the Minister investigate this and ask Iarnród Éireann to ensure the safety of passengers and those crossing at these points on a daily basis is of paramount importance. I ask the Minister to act on this as a matter of urgency.