Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the announcement that will be made by the Taoiseach in my county of Westmeath this morning of an additional 200 jobs in the town of Athlone. I acknowledge the good work carried out by the IDA in securing those 200 jobs and assisting the economy, particularly the economy in the midlands, for years to come.

Senator Callely referred to another horrific murder that has occurred in Dublin. A young woman lost her life tragically yesterday evening in Portobello. The tragedies that are occurring on a daily basis are appalling. The murders of women and the lack of respect for human life is horrific. There is no longer any fear of the law. We might have an opportunity in the future to have a debate in the House, with the Minister present, on sentencing policy. Life should mean life, 25 years if necessary.