Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)

——-it put in place infrastructure and institutions which will help us to weather the storm we are now facing.

The former Taoiseach, Charlie Haughey, said economics is the dismal science. There is no doubt it is a dismal science at present. I studied economics in UCD at one time and I believe practical common sense goes a long way in dealing with financial problems. I am a small businessman and employ a staff of three or four people. Naturally, I am worried about the future. The retail trade is going through a very difficult time at present and it is a business that gets very little sympathy. Nobody ever tells shopkeepers or publicans they are due a deontas or a handout like the agri-sector or other sectors, but we must live as well. Nonetheless, we will get through it. Confidence is important. I have tremendous confidence in the Minster, the Taoiseach, the Government and the institutions of the State. I know that we will rally.

I compliment Senator Larry Butler, who did his homework and came up with some ideas, which he presented to our parliamentary party and which he enunciated in the House again today. They will be boiled down and analysed and, while they might not all find favour, I like that someone is proactive in that way. As Senator Leyden said, the Seanad could be used as a workshop and a think-tank to tease out ideas that the Lower House is too busy and has too much work to consider.

I welcome the decision by the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, to modify the position in regard to substitution. As a former teacher, I know it was creating a great deal of difficulty. I am glad the Minister was able to do this in a way that did not impact upon the Exchequer and he was able to find ways to pay for it. That is the way of the future. If one does not like what is happening and has a better idea, that is great, once it is self-financing.