Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

That strong message should go out from the House this morning. Senator MacSharry spoke to me at length about this matter yesterday. We should all buy Irish, whether we are shopping North or South, and help in any way we possibly can. In doing that we will be doing a great deal for the economy.

Senator Bacik asked about the Bill she outlined. It is still on Second Stage. We will review that early in the new year.

Senators Ellis and Mullen raised the matter of the Electoral (Amendment) Bill. The Bill breaches the county boundaries in Senator Ellis's case in Leitrim and in my own case in Westmeath. It is fair to say Senator Ellis and myself are honoured Members of this House because of the boundary changes that occurred in the elections to the 30th Dáil. While it is an honour and privilege to be here, the people we represent feel they are disenfranchised and that they should have an equal opportunity to be represented by an Oireachtas Member in Dáil Éireann. It is unacceptable that Senator Ellis's county of Leitrim does not have a Leitrim person representing them. While they are represented very well by Deputies from the other constituency, the people of Country Leitrim would wish to have a Leitrim person representing them. All I can say to Senator Ellis, who feels strongly about this, is that if he wishes the Committee on Procedure and Privileges to consider his proposal, it is not a matter for me but for the Senator to consider the position in that regard. I will do all I can to assist him in his plight.

Senator Buttimer and Senator Healy Eames called for a debate on education. The Minister will come to the House in the first two weeks of the next session.