Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I will respond briefly to some of the important issues raised by Senators. Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Hannigan, Ross, Walsh, Healy Eames, Kelly, Regan, Norris and Coffey gave the House the benefit of their views on the economic challenges facing us. As we were told yesterday by the Minister, the figures reveal a massive shortfall of close to €7.5 billion in the amount of tax revenue collected by the Government during the first 11 months of this year. This is far worse than any of us ever expected since the budget in October. In their analysis of the situation, economic experts tell us there will be a shortfall in excess of €8 billion for the year. Taking all this into account, everyone with the expertise and the track record of the four people appointed to the board to think outside the box and advise the Department of Finance and the Government is to be welcomed. They can do it in the United States and get the experts to assist the economic advisers to the Government and the President elect, Mr. Barack Obama. We are all looking forward to him taking office.

On behalf of the House, I congratulate our colleague and friend of this country for many years, Senator Hillary Clinton, on her appointment as Secretary of State. We are all uplifted by this selection and look forward to returning to those days when we enjoyed such good relations with the United States under the Presidency of Mr. Bill Clinton. Nobody has done more for this country than Mr. Clinton when he was President. Senator Kelly spoke about the information technology sector and where jobs are likely to be in the future. We must extend a hand of friendship to those who have looked after us in the past, who were consistent in their support for the North of Ireland and in seeking to resolve the Irish question as we have known it for 800 years.

Many Senators have made comments on the economy. The economic situation is not changing by the month or week; it is changing by the day. We are faced with an unprecedented crisis on a global scale. I ask colleagues to think carefully before making comments which may be taken up by irresponsible sections of the media. I have absolutely no issue with responsible elements of the media. However, there are young reporters who may assume that some Members of this House are experts in the field in which they are deliberating. That may not be the case.