Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach who is a most indulgent and patient man. I ask the Leader if there is any possibility, given the difficult situation in the fishing industry, of having a brief debate on the issue before we conclude this session next week. In particular, I am concerned about the fact that most, if not all, crewmen are self-employed and they seem to have been ignored by the Cawley report. The fact that they are self-employed means they are facing a bleak future. It probably suited some of the trawler owners that the crewmen were self-employed but sin scéal eile.

I chaired the Oireachtas committee on the Constitution which examined the issues of children's rights. It is an extremely sensitive issue. I support the concept of a referendum on the rights of children but if we do not get it right, we could create a legal quagmire and a minefield of problems. I would urge caution, with all due respect to the leader of the Opposition. I know she means well but we must be cautious. I urge Members to wait for the concluding report from the current committee and following that, I suggest that a cross-departmental committee should examine closely the wording of any amendment to the Constitution. If such an amendment is not worded correctly — forget about Lisbon — we could have a major headache in this country in the future.

Yesterday the cost of refurbishing the former Taoiseach's offices was mentioned. In that context, I wish to share an anecdote with the House. I met a man who is building a house on an island off west Cork, the name of which I will not mention.