Seanad debates

Thursday, 18 June 2009

11:00 am

Photo of Donie CassidyDonie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

There was no room at the inn on our side that is why Senator Buttimer is over there.

Senator Callely welcomed the national bike week this week. I congratulate everyone who has made this possible. We all know that a fit body means a fit brain and that a fit brain gives one confidence and when one has confidence, one can move mountains, as Senator Buttimer will know well.

Senators Donohoe, MacSharry, Ormonde and Buttimer expressed their views on financial matters. The Financial Services (Deposit Guarantee Scheme) 2009 is before the House today. I know Senators will be eager to make their contributions on Second Stage with regard to public sector pay reform. We should not fail to acknowledge that Ministers and Ministers of State have taken a reduction in their pay. Politics is not a 40 hour week, or even a 70 or 80 hour week, profession. Public representatives work for more like 100 hours per week and give a service to the public on all seven days. They are appreciated for it. No one I know in any political party is in public life for the remuneration. Politicians are prepared to play their part if everyone else does so too. Ministers and Ministers of State have already taken a reduction in pay, and this should be acknowledged and appreciated.

Senator Mary White referred to the education of children in disadvantaged areas. Senator White is doing all she can to help those who suffer the torment of losing loved ones through suicide. This House should do everything we can do assist in that. The report she mentioned, to which Senator Keaveney and colleagues in the Dáil contributed, will be considered by the Seanad in the next session.

I join in commiserating with Mr. Jimmy Walsh and the Walsh family on the loss of their mother, Mrs. Sadie Walsh. Mr. Jimmy Walsh has been a trojan worker in journalism, reporting on the work of the Seanad on a daily basis.

Senators MacSharry and Hanafin highlighted the challenges and opportunities presented by energy options. Last evening, I was very impressed by the contributions of colleagues during the debate on sustainable economic opportunities and how they can help to turn the economy around. I hope to make time available during the next session to hold Ministers, Ministers of State and Departments to account on making opportunities available in this regard. Senator Larry Butler has been very vociferous in this area on this side of the House.

Senators Cannon and Buttimer raised tourism issues. I welcome the announcement by Aer Lingus of the €80 one-way fare from the United States to Ireland. This is a tremendous opportunity to boost the tourism industry, which is going through a very tough time. As we all know, it is one of the principal creators of employment in services at present. We must do everything we can to help the tourism industry. It needs all the help it can get.

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