Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

We will be dealing with legislation all week. It has always been the case that legislation takes priority, and it will continue to be the case. The Bills that we will discuss today and tomorrow were urgently requested and required. The Companies Bill 2009 is a huge and important Bill. The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment is in the House today, as was requested of me many times in recent weeks.

In regard to what was brought to our attention today about the provision of child care places, Senator Mary White correctly pointed out the Government's position. I congratulate her on championing the cause in this area. I thank all the Senators who brought the matter to the attention of the House.

We congratulate Senators who are candidates in the forthcoming elections on their courage in going forward and wish them well. A long-standing colleague, the former Senator Paschal Mooney, is a candidate in the European elections and I wish him well.