Seanad debates

Tuesday, 13 May 2008

3:00 pm

Photo of Donie CassidyDonie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I join Senator Fitzgerald in marking the sad passing of Nuala O'Faolain. I have been admirer of hers for years. She was a wonderful ambassador for our country and was a very talented person. Her work will remain for many years after her sad passing.

Many Senators highlighted their concern over agriculture and requested a debate. I will contact the new Minister, Deputy Brendan Smith, to try to arrange it. I will inform the House, perhaps on Thursday morning's Order of Business, as to when we might have it. There were many serious expressions of concern regarding the Lisbon treaty. In the national interest this is good for Ireland. The people have trusted the major political parties in this country for the past 35 years and have not been misled. We in the major parties all support the "Yes" call. Every opportunity will be given to Members of the House over the next four weeks to highlight their strong views one way or the other. We must respect the views of the "No" side, just as we do those of the "Yes" side. We will have the debate on agriculture at the earliest time.

Senator Fitzgerald called for an amendment to the Order of Business. I have had a very harmonious working relationship with the party leaders in the House. In an effort to help the Senator and her colleagues in this regard, I would suggest to her that if she feels strongly about the matter, she should change her party's Private Members' motion for tomorrow evening. Legislation must take preference in the House this week.

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