Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Alex White, Ellis, Regan, Norris, Coghlan, Quinn, Callely, Ormonde, Hannigan, Ó Murchú, Bradford and Donohoe expressed serious concern in respect of a second Lisbon referendum. We should wish well the Taoiseach and Minister for Foreign Affairs at the summit this week, which is an important, and possibly one of the most crucial, meetings since before 1973. Ireland is facing a serious challenge. As Senator Bradford stated, we are and want to remain at the heart of Europe. It is the place where our nation has shown its mettle during the past 30 years in terms of what we can do and achieve when given an even chance. I wish the Taoiseach and Minister for Foreign Affairs well. I assure Members that at the earliest possible opportunity if at all possible I will arrange for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to return to this House to update us on the outcome of the summit.

I join Members in welcoming the successful conclusion of the negotiations between the Government and Irish pig processing sector. The pigmeat industry, which is worth €1.1 billion to the Exchequer and employs 6,500 people, is of great importance to our economy. As Senators Ellis and Carty stated yesterday in the House, agriculture was our number one industry before 1973 and for many years after that. At a time of economic downturn and global recession it is probably the one industry on which we can continue to rely in terms of keeping our economy going. It is currently the foundation and bedrock of our economy. I congratulate the Taoiseach and the Minister, Deputy Brendan Smith, who, along with the Ministers of State, Deputy Trevor Sargent and Deputy Mary Wallace, have been exemplary in conducting the affairs of our nation.

The objective of Government and everyone in the nation, from the time the test results were confirmed last Saturday, has been to protect public health, restore consumer confidence and return the sector to full capacity. This happened within four days. The decision taken on Saturday to recall Irish pork and bacon produce was the correct decision. It was the only responsible course of action open to Government. I agree with its decision in that regard.

I look forward to us playing our part in promoting once again our Irish produce. I agree that Bord Bia in this regard will require an increase in its marketing budget. We have an opportunity to market our produce throughout Europe through the medium of Sky television which broadcasts to many European countries. Those of us who have visited Spain and Portugal will have seen broadcast on television there the same advertisements as are shown in many areas of the UK and Ireland.

Senators O'Toole and Alex White informed the House that the leaders met yesterday and that tomorrow's Order of Business is as outlined. On Friday week, 30 minutes will be allowed for the Order of Business, with the Leader having a further five minutes to respond. The Minister will then commence business at 10.35 a.m. I thank the leaders for their co-operation in ensuring business on Friday mornings — which may only happen four or five times during the year — commences at 10.35 a.m. I thank the leaders for their help and assistance in trying to ensure the House is more productive. As Senator O'Toole said, I have no difficulty in allocating time following the Christmas recess to listen to the views and proposals of all Senators following which, if any changes are necessary in terms of Members' needs and the people we represent, the matters can be discussed by the Committee on Procedures and Privileges. I have an open mind on this matter and, under the stewardship of the Cathaoirleach, we can discuss what can be done to ensure this House is more relevant in terms of its proceedings.

TG4 broadcasts the proceedings of the Dáil on Thursday mornings. If the Seanad Committee on Procedure and Privileges and Members believe the proceedings in respect of the Order of Business could be changed in such a manner as to make it more efficient, as is the case in other parliaments where each Member has only one minute to put his or her question, we could, perhaps, seek to have TG4 broadcast one hour of the proceedings of the Seanad, perhaps 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. or 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. on Thursdays. This may be the way forward. I believe the people would be uplifted and enlightened by the proceedings of this House.