Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

We look forward to debating issues on the doorsteps with the electorate. They will decide. Every country has been touched by the ravages of the current downturn. We are no different. We are an open and small economy and are probably worst hit in that regard. We are also the economy which can come back the quickest. I look forward to the rebound starting in the United States. We are very fortunate that Mr. Barack Obama became President of the United States when the world was looking for someone to give hope. What he has done in his first 100 days is a shining example to us legislators who want to do what we can on behalf of our people.

Senator Hannigan referred to the likelihood of the European Central Bank cutting the rate by 0.25% today. That is to be welcomed as a help to hard-pressed mortgage payers who are looking forward to it. Since last October, interest rates have been reduced by 3.25%. This is unprecedented in the history of the European Central Bank. It is the one great helping hand to economies throughout the world and those giving employment. Interest rates have substantially reduced from the bad old days of the 1980s when our colleagues on the other side of the House were in power and we paid interest rates of 18% and 19%. The present downturn is the worst since the 1930s, but in terms of banking and interest rates we are on a horse of a different colour.

I can have the ESRI report and job creation included in the debate on the economy which has been called for and to which I will allude in a moment.

Senator Marc MacSharry referred to the Standing Order regarding the naming of individuals outside the House. I assure Senator MacSharry that I will bring his concerns to the attention of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges at our next sitting. Between now and next week, I will consider his request for a debate on this issue. Senators may make written submissions to the CPP. If they feel this Standing Order should be revisited, we can consider that.

Senator Coghlan raised the difficulties experienced at the world famous heritage attraction in the kingdom of Kerry. I fully support his call for the provision of an iron rail for the safety of tourists. It would not take away from the historical importance of the site and should be considered.

Senators Hanafin, Buttimer, Walsh and Butler called for a debate on the economy. Senator Butler called for a three-way debate with the Minister for Finance, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. This is a very good idea. It would not be possible in the next two weeks during which the Finance Bill will be debated in the Dáil, or on 26 and 27 May when it will be debated in this House. During the debate on the Finance Bill, colleagues will have ample opportunity to express their views on the economy. Leaders of the groups could then decide on a programme for June, when we return after the elections, and consider the proposal for a three-way debate.

Senators Norris and Callely offered their congratulations regarding yesterday's Supreme Court decision. Everyone was very pleased that this courageous person was given the decision by the court yesterday.

I refer to the outstanding television documentary on Chuck Feeney who played a significant part with the Government and particularly the Department of Education and Science in the substantial investment made to the city of Limerick and all the educational universities and institutes throughout the country. The former Taoiseach, Albert Reynolds, a former constituency colleague, was particularly very friendly with him and he had Mr. Feeney's 100% confidence. I refer also to the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, and Ed Walsh in the University of Limerick in respect of what they have achieved and what has been achieved by this man's generosity, which I hope is never forgotten by the generations to come in Ireland, particularly at such a difficult time in fundraising or getting funds. In this regard Mr. Feeney made a massive contribution from his life's wealth to the underprivileged and the future generations of the world.

Senators Norris and Ó Murchú requested a debate on human rights issues, particularly in Afghanistan, to which I can accede. Senator Ó Murchú called for justice for those unfortunate people and I have no difficulty in allocating time for a debate in this area.

Senators Callely, Coffey and Buttimer expressed concerns and called for the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Barry Andrews, to come to the House. Senator Callely has been very forceful on this matter for a considerable period. I am pleased to inform the House that the Minister of State, Deputy Andrews, will return to the House with the Adoption Bill next Wednesday. Colleagues will be looking forward to making their contribution for those anxiously awaiting the decision in this area.

Senator Regan spoke of developments in the Czech Republic and its support for the Lisbon treaty. We are the only country that has not supported it. The development in the Czech Republic is another step in the right direction and, hopefully, later on or at the end of this year the Irish people will have a chance to review the situation to see how we can support it also.

I offer our congratulations on the Taoiseach being appointed to office one year ago today. I offer my congratulations on behalf of the House to the Taoiseach and wish him well in the coming years. It has been a most difficult year for the Taoiseach. No one could say he got a honeymoon time in office. It could not have been a more difficult time. If I were to take advice from anyone who had experience of a downturn, who better than our colleagues on the opposite side of the House, including Senator Regan, to give that advice?