Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Alex White, Boyle, Norris, Regan and Hannigan made their opinions on the Civil Partnership Bill known. It was correctly stated that the heads of the Bill will be prepared and ready in a maximum of three or four weeks. I will do everything possible to have the Bill initiated in the Seanad, as it would be important to do so.

The deputy leader of Fine Gael, Senator Coghlan, proposed an amendment to the Order of Business in respect of consumer issues. Senators John Paul Phelan, Buttimer, O'Reilly, Hannigan, Fitzgerald and O'Toole expressed serious concerns regarding consumer issues, such as prices exceeding equivalent prices in the eurozone. There are issues in this regard. There should be an emergency meeting of the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment to discuss this issue. Members on both sides of the House should make the case for such a discussion at tomorrow morning's meeting. I will certainly do so. The meetings of that committee take place at 10 a.m., which is not convenient for the Order of Business. Nevertheless, I will attend tomorrow's meeting to request that this discussion take place.

When I was Chairman of that committee, as Senator Coghlan will recall, we had a thorough discussion of all the economic challenges facing the State. As an island economy, all goods must be transported by land and sea. Senator Quinn knows this better than anybody in the House. Another factor is the cost of wages. Thankfully, our minimum wage is at a level which ensures everybody a decent remuneration. However, in other eurozone countries, such as Spain and Portugal, the minimum wage is as much as 150% below our rate. We must confront the challenges facing those who are generating and providing employment. Some of these issues are unique to Ireland. They are not in business for the good of their health but in order to make a profit. Nevertheless, they have a responsibility to provide value for money to customers.

Energy costs are an important factor. Like myself, Senators O'Reilly, McFadden, Glynn and Wilson are based in the same midlands area. It is a question of access to the grid by the ESB. The potential for wind farming is one of the natural advantages available to us. I have no difficulty in agreeing to a debate on energy. However, legislation must take precedent as we approach the end of this parliamentary year. We must deal with legislation on those days we are requested to do so by the Government. However, a debate on energy is one of my priorities and I will do all I can to allow it to take place.

Several speakers referred to the all-party commitment, with one exception, to a "Yes" vote in the referendum on the Lisbon treaty. In the midlands, one sees posters from only one group. The Taoiseach sees the same. He is travelling the same roads as the rest of us in the midlands. Anyone in the area who has not been active up to now — there are a few — must do more. Representatives of Fianna Fáil will be in Kilbeggan next Sunday, along with the "Yes" bus. I ask members of all parties to join us on the campaign trail instead of stating things in the House. In the midlands area, all the posters have been put there by one party, with the exception of those erected yesterday by Mr. Jim Higgins, MEP, to advertise a meeting in Mullingar this week. One meeting has taken place in Athlone. I know of only one party that is knocking on doors.