Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I include Senator Norris in my remarks.

Senator Butler referred to the €500,000 cost to the State of providing facilities to the press. The Senator may bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Finance when he comes before the House.

Senators Regan and Leyden called for the report produced by Colm McCarthy and his group to be made public. Yesterday, my party colleague, the former Leader of the House, Deputy Mary O'Rourke, and I sought to have this done. The matter is, however, one for the Government to decide. The previous report, published in the late 1980s, was not published for reasons best known to the Government at the time. It would be preferable if the report was available for the consideration of the House. We look forward to playing a responsible role in assisting the Government in meeting the challenge it faces. We will enjoy another period of ten years of economic growth if the correct decisions are taken. I hope we will have the support of Senators on all sides in this endeavour.

Senator Leyden called for a special debate to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the Council of Europe. I have already agreed to hold such a debate. As the Senator noted, the issue of invitees coming before the House is a matter for the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

I concur with Senator Norris on the Privacy Bill and look forward to having the Bill before the House. The Minister indicated yesterday that this will be the case. I will pursue the matter vigorously to ensure the legislation comes before the House in the not too distant future.

Senators O'Donovan and Quinn congratulated the Garda Síochána, Garda Commissioner and, in particular, the chief superintendent and superintendent in the Drogheda area, on their enforcement activities which have resulted in reductions of 60% in assaults and 42% in street disorder in the town. This demonstrates that areas can be transformed when the fear is put back into the law. As Senators Quinn and O'Donovan correctly noted, the Garda Síochána has achieved an outstanding success in Drogheda.

Senators Cummins and Ó Murchú referred to the decision by CIE Tours not to include the Waterford Crystal showroom in its itinerary for tours. CIE Tours has done a terrific job over the years. It is the backbone of the tourism industry. I call on the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to arrange an emergency meeting on Tuesday next with CIE representatives to discuss this issue. I also call on Senators who are members of the joint committee or are directly involved in tourism to attend the proceedings to find out the reason a world brand such as Waterford Crystal which, like Baileys and Guinness, has taken centuries to create - does not feature on the itinerary of those travelling to Ireland on CIE Tours.

Waterford deserves all the support we can give, including for next Sunday's game. I extend my best wishes to the county team. Occasions such as hurling finals uplift people in difficult times.