Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I had intended keeping that matter for last but it is a great pleasure to accede to the Senator's request.

Senator Quinn referred to VAT and its reduction to 5.5% last week in France. This is very welcome and I will include it in the proposals from this House when we are having a debate on the economy, which has been requested by many Senators including Senator Fitzgerald, in our pre-budget proposal to the Minister. This would help our tourism industry in a major way.

Senator Glynn congratulated the Garda Síochána for the arrest of persons in Drumshanbo regarding the drugs find. I agree with the sentiments expressed by Senator Glynn.

Senators Buttimer and McFadden expressed disappointment that "Questions and Answers" will not continue. The professionalism of Mr. John Bowman is exemplary. He is one of the best broadcasters RTE has ever had and we wish him well in continuing whatever he will do in the future. He is one of the more serious and responsible broadcasters whom we all enjoyed viewing and listening to. We wish him continued success in the future. I never had the pleasure of being invited to appear on the show but many colleagues had the great honour and privilege of appearing on the show. It was necessary and the programme has played an important role in political life. I wish Mr. John Bowman all the luck that we can wish anyone in that profession and we congratulate him on all he has done.

Senator Hanafin called on us to review the broadcasting of the Dáil and the Seanad. We can discuss that in our contributions tonight and if necessary we can change the Order of Business so we have a live broadcast of the Order of Business one morning a week on TG4 or another channel. This would enhance the image of the Seanad for the people of Ireland, who would see the great work that is taking place on their behalf in Seanad Éireann. We are the protectors of the Constitution on behalf of the people of Ireland and taxpayers. Under my stewardship, no Bill has ever been guillotined in their Seanad, with the exception of one Bill. Every section is discussed in minute detail——