Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the former Cathaoirleach, Mr. Brian Mullooly, to the Chamber. It is always good to see former colleagues visiting the House. I hope I will do the same when my day comes.

I endorse the points made by colleagues in regard to the crisis in Burma. The debate on the Lisbon treaty affords us an opportunity to discuss the EU's role in providing humanitarian aid. We must work closely with Europe in the context of globalisation and climate change. This is an area to which we should give careful attention.

I have observed the work being done by the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Roche, to promote the Lisbon treaty. There is no doubt he is making an impact. I recently attended a meeting at which he explained himself clearly. Everybody who attended that large meeting came away satisfied that he had outlined exactly what is expected of us in regard to the referendum campaign.

I am sorry to see the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy Brennan, stepping down from office because of ill health. I have known the Minister for more than 25 years. I began my political life working with him in the constituency of Dublin South, where I stood alongside him in four elections. I know his workload, efficiency and effectiveness. He has tremendous ability in terms of organisation. He is stepping down just for a short term. I wish him a speedy recovery and I have no doubt he will be back with us in a short time, perhaps in another role.

I congratulate the outgoing Taoiseach and wish him well in the next stage of his career. I wish the new Taoiseach every success and look forward to seeing him in this House when he comes in to debate whatever issues are pertinent at the time and I look forward to our working closely with him on those issues.