Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I did not intend speaking on the Lisbon treaty but I must say that I listened to the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, speak in this House and I was thrilled with the manner in which he handled the debate here. He interacted with everybody in the House, he had his finger on the pulse and had a complete understanding of what the Lisbon treaty is about. After having listened to him, I made the same point to people outside this House, namely, that we are particularly fortunate to have such an erudite and focused Minister leading this campaign. I am sorry to disagree with Senator Regan because we are neighbours in one way in another part of the country. I felt I had to say that because I have the opposite view of the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, to that which the Senator expressed. I have also heard the Minister of State interviewed on radio and television programmes. He presents a robust message, but he is prepared to listen to every question put. The use of the word "disaster" in the event of a "No" vote was necessary as there was a degree of apathy and lack of interest apparent. The Minister of State was correct to point out that it is not simply a matter of flipping a coin and voting "Yes" or "No". The issue is more important than that and the comments were necessary so that people would engage in the debate at this stage. The comments of Senator Eugene Regan have been helpful, too, in focusing attention on the issue.

I join in the good wishes expressed to the outgoing Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy Séamus Brennan. We were fortunate recently to have the Minister in the House for the debate on tourism, which I found helpful. I pay tribute to him because in my experience Deputy Séamus Brennan throughout the years has been especially quiet but at the same time very energised with any portfolio which he held. He was always accessible and available for discussions. His most recent portfolio, namely, the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism includes the inspirational aspects of the work of the State and Deputy Brennan has handled these so well. I wish him well and I am sure we will hear more of him in some other context and in another forum in future.