Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)

I specifically want to refer to the Government amendments. Like my colleague, Senator O'Donovan, I greatly welcome them and there was an audible sigh of relief in Fenit and Tralee this morning when it became clear that the Government had listened to the debate here, to Senator O'Donovan and indeed our colleagues on the other side of the House. It was a very useful debate and while there is a great deal of talk at the moment about the abolition of the Seanad, the experience of this Bill in its progress through this House, must underpin faith in the Seanad and provide an object lesson as to why it should continue. The Bill has been worked on and teased out in a non-partisan fashion and I acknowledge the contributions of Senators O'Donovan, McCarthy, O'Toole and indeed all the other Members who came up with very practical and constructive proposals. If this debate had been initiated in the Lower House it might have become entirely party political, more partisan and perhaps less productive.

In welcoming the amendment, I thank the Minister for being a good listener both in the Chamber and outside it. Senator O'Donovan's sterling efforts here must be given a special mention. Almost single-handedly, he filibustered here for a number of months. Another well known solicitor from Bantry, Tim Healy, who was part of Parnell's party before the split, did much filibustering in the House of Commons along with Parnell and others. Senator O'Donovan has followed in that tradition.

The Minister will know that those in Fenit have just produced their new business plan and hope to have the opportunity to present it to him shortly. They were overjoyed to learn that there will be a full public consultation process prior to any question of an amalgamation with Shannon Foynes. Indeed, those in Shannon Foynes are happy that they will be allowed to have their say. The directors of Shannon Foynes Port Company have no imperial tendencies and have no interest in amalgamating with Fenit.

In consulting the relevant interested parties, I stress that Tralee Town Council should be consulted about Fenit because it has a long tradition of supporting Fenit. Local fishermen and sailors, who sail for pleasure, should be consulted as should the main industrial customer, Lever, which has been a very loyal supporter of Fenit over the years. Oireachtas Members for the area should also be consulted. These consultations should be long, drawn out and relaxed and there should be no sense that there is a guillotine waiting to fall. However, I do not see these amalgamations ever taking place.