Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Twomey, O'Toole, Hannigan and Coghlan outlined various issues to the House this morning. All opportunities should be taken by them tomorrow to raise the urgent matters colleagues justifiably raise on the Order of Business every morning when the Ministers will be present for the discussion on the IMF and the OECD.

A written official reply is something we can consider in terms of Seanad reform. The Fianna Fáil submission will be handed in to the Minister tomorrow afternoon. We look forward to the promised legislation on Seanad reform. I thank colleagues on all sides of the House for playing their part and making their submissions to the Minister. We wish to continue to play a central role, first, as protectors of the Constitution and, second, to ensure the taxpayer gets good value for money. The people of this country can rest assured that every word, line and section of every Bill is minutely debated and discussed. I congratulate all colleagues, past and present, who have made it possible for this House to be called the Upper House of Parliament where every part of a Bill will be discussed. That is to the benefit of the taxpayer-----