Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

There are good opportunities for young couples. People sometimes ask me about the good old days when house prices were much lower. I always respond that the good days are now and that they were bad old days when people had to set aside some 38% of their disposable income to make mortgage repayments, even though their mortgage loan with the local authority might only be £8,000 at 9%. The Government's decision to join the eurozone means we are now enjoying the benefits of a strong currency. If we had opted out of the euro, interest rates would be three percentage points higher. First-time house buyers would be in far worse predicament in that scenario.

A two-year period is minor in the lifetime of any property purchase. People will experience a period of difficulty where more of their disposable income must be set aside to meet mortgage repayments, but they will soon recover from that. For those of us who are fortunate enough to be in a position to receive them, the increases available under the national wage agreement are of great benefit. The farming community has been well looked after by the EU and public servants are assured of significant increases, with 2.5% due in September.

The real heroes of the Celtic tiger are the self-employed. When the economic situation was poor and others took the boat or aeroplane, that option was not available to them, yet there is a widespread view that the self-employed were creaming it. I wish to record my appreciation of what has been done and is still being done by the self-employed. Anybody who survived the 1960s and 1970s deserves a gold medal for their efforts to keep family businesses going while paying income tax rates of up to 68%. These people are heroes. It is not the case that only one side is doing its bit. Self-employed people have made a tremendous contribution, along with farmers and public servants.

Senator Hannigan referred to the horrific five-vehicle crash which occurred early this morning on the M1. We were all horrified to hear of the unfortunate motorist who went to assist the drivers in the first two vehicles and was struck by a truck. We know it is a serious accident when the road is closed for more than 12 or 14 hours, particularly on a route of such significance. I am familiar with the location in which the accident took place.

Senators de Búrca, Leyden, Regan, Bradford and Twomey sought assurances that there will be another debate on the Lisbon treaty. With the agreement of the House, I will propose next Wednesday that there be an extended Private Members' time of three hours in which Fianna Fáil will table a motion to debate the Lisbon treaty. If this is insufficient to allow Members to put forward their views, I will propose that the debate be resumed on Thursday, after we have dispensed with legislation. This will ensure every Member has an opportunity to express his or her views on this important treaty on which the public must adjudicate. I hope this proposal will be agreed by all the leaders so that Fianna Fáil can play its part in facilitating this debate.

Senator Donohoe called for a debate on the National Consumer Agency and consumer issues, with particular reference to prices. I am aware that the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment had a meeting with the agency's representatives yesterday. I will certainly allocate time for that debate in the coming weeks.

Senator Ó Domhnaill highlighted the plight of fishermen and the fishing industry, particularly in Donegal where crab and lobster fishermen have been affected by the protest in France. One of the tragedies of a protest of this magnitude is how it can paralyse an industry practically overnight. I will convey the Senator's strong views to the Minister and will invite the Minister to the House to discuss marine matters in general as soon as possible.

Senators Bacik and Mullen sought a debate on integration of immigrants and the position of migrant women in Ireland. I agree with the Senators' sentiments with regard to eminently qualified people who come to this country, such as engineers, doctors and so forth, but are unable to seek jobs in their areas of expertise. They must take on menial jobs in order that they can live in peace here with a little income to support their families until times improve in their native countries.

Senator Kelly called for a debate on innovation and technology. That can be included in the debate on broadband and finance, which I will arrange before the end of this session.

Senator Coghlan sought a debate on electoral boundaries, similar to the debate that took place in the Dáil yesterday. The local election constituency review is taking place at present and its report must be on the Minister's desk by 22 June. Perhaps we should wait and debate the two matters together. To say I am interested in the Constituency Commission's findings is an understatement. As Members are aware, that commission made the decision to move the north Westmeath area, which was my base, into the Meath West constituency. Sometimes one thinks these events are an act of God but on this occasion it was an act of the commission. I do not hold it against anybody but in its wisdom it has again left the same area in the Meath West constituency in its latest revision. It might have been an accident the first time but I have my doubts about the second time.