Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I echo the points made by Senator Fitzgerald concerning the Taoiseach's announcement of his resignation. It would be very helpful in dealing with this in an efficient manner, if the Leader could find some reason for inviting the Taoiseach to the House. The best reason would be to get an update, as he sees it on leaving office, of the Northern situation, the Lisbon treaty and the possibilities of another national wage agreement. I should like the Taoiseach to address the Seanad in a businesslike manner.

I also acknowledge the work the Taoiseach has done for this country. There will be time to talk about other matters in due course. I believe that the balance sheet of his career will ultimately come out on the positive side. In any event, it would be important to have that debate with him here, and hear his views.

On a personal note, the Taoiseach is someone who has stuck by his word to me over the 35 years that I have been dealing with him. I can recall adverse public comment, including some within this House less than five years ago, when, having struck a deal with the Taoiseach on benchmarking, there were opposing voices on all sides of the Seanad, not least on my own benches. Two of my Trinity College colleagues were calling for benchmarking not to be paid, but the Taoiseach stood by his agreement with me. I can recall these matters and it will be time to talk about them again.

People will have noted developments since last week on an issue I have raised many times in the House, namely, the question of China. It is great and heartening to see that there is a demand around the world for recognition of human rights. The so-called Chinese torch is effectively a symbol of torture, oppression and suppression——