Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

I had the view when I came into this House almost 20 years ago in 1989 that Senator Norris was a very intelligent, witty, gregarious and broad-minded person. I take offence, however, at his condemnation yesterday of a debate the House is having today on the fishing industry. I have waited nine months for this debate and gave way on the matter last July. I appreciate and wish to thank the Leader for his generosity in allowing the debate on the fishing industry.

Later on today there will be a debate, which was rightly demanded by Members of the Opposition, on the motion on agriculture. This is important. Under the Constitution the Seanad includes an agricultural panel that elects 11 Members. Why should we not have a debate on agriculture? I compliment the Opposition on tabling this motion and I hope I will get the chance to speak on it. Why should we not debate the fishing industry?

Members of this House must think beyond Trinity College, Dublin 4 and the Pale. Rural Ireland does exist and there are issues that affect it, such as farming, fishing and tourism. I will represent the areas and the people I was elected to the House to represent. Furthermore, my learned friend, Senator Norris, yesterday pooh-poohed the Harbours (Amendment) Bill as a little Bill coming through. It is most important legislation and I have taken a very difficult stance with the Minister concerned, Deputy Brendan Smith, in respect of some of the issues. It affects harbours all over this country. A Member may criticise this as "pieces of legislation" but this House is bigger and broader than one that merely deals with bits of legislation. I stood last week for three hours on the Harbours (Amendment) Bill and for most of the time there was not even a quorum present.