John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator O'Toole's suggestion in the way it was put that people should retain their titles. This is a well-established practice in other republics, in particular in America. When a person has achieved fine expertise, it seems unusual that he or she is not brought back into the system in some way. Such recognition occurs in society. We recognise that when people reach the age of 65, some of them retire but their expertise is still badly needed in society. I suggest now, as I have done here previously, that former taoisigh at least should have the right of audience in the Seanad. We need only reflect on how beneficial it would be for us to hear from, for example, the former Taoiseach, Mr. Liam Cosgrave, about what happened in Cabinet at the time of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. We would have the benefit of such people's experience, including that of the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, in years to come about what happened at the time of the drafting of the Good Friday Agreement. Such expertise certainly would enhance the House. In particular, it would give us an extra focus. I am all for enhancing the House and its capabilities.

I ask the Leader to request the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to come to the House to debate a matter. An unusual situation pertains with the slowdown in the international economy while the price of commodities continues to rise consistently, in particular the price of oil. It is unusual in terms of previous economic cycles and it has to do with the fact that India and China are still continuing to grow at such a pace. If this continues at this level, would it not be wise for us to make a proposal to the EU to start using the alternative energy capability we have on our west coast and to have a back-up supply of energy for Europe as demands for energy continue to increase? It is creating problems in the use of bio-fuels on the other side where shortages of food occur. We will have to examine the production of clean energy and it could well come from the sea.