Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I do not have much more to add to the fine contributions made by Senators Ó Murchú and Harris on how best we can all work together. I watched a television programme on Monday night during which two representatives from parties bickered during the entire programme. I listened to "Today with Pat Kenny" this morning and those who were being interviewed again engaged in point-scoring to determine who would make the best contribution. The contributions are wholesome and fine statements are being made, but nevertheless it is time we worked together. We are in a crisis and the public are calling for us to work together to get out of it. I urge that we all work together and endorse the many fine points raised here this morning.

I wish to raise the motion on the human rights issue on which we had a fine discussion yesterday evening. I compliment Senator Norris on bringing the motion forward. I too am disappointed at the proposed cutback in our contribution to overseas development aid. I will examine how best we can work in this regard into the future. Having visited very poor countries, I know what goes on there. I hope we can get around this issue in some other way. If we cannot increase our allocation, we can work with our embassies to see how best we can maintain the programmes in place and fulfil our obligation in that respect. I want to do that.

I endorse the stand taken by Senator O'Donovan in regard to Bantry Bay and how best he can protect that area. He is doing a fine job and I wish him well. I hope that we will all work together on this matter.