Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Alex White, O'Sullivan, Regan, Hannigan, Coghlan, Mullen, Coffey, Norris and Glynn congratulated everyone on the successful "Yes" vote in the Lisbon treaty referendum. I congratulate the Taoiseach, the Government and the leaders of all other parties that supported the "Yes" vote. I congratulate the people of Ireland, 58% of whom came out to vote in the Lisbon treaty referendum. I salute them for the serious approach they took to their vote. Taking account of the fact that non-nationals are not allowed vote in a local referendum it is possible that in excess of 70% of the population voted on that day while a further 10% may have been out of the country on holidays or for some other reason. Therefore, the turnout for the referendum last Friday was huge. It was uplifting for the people and the good example given by all political parties when they get together and show co-operation in the national interest shows how we can motivate our people to respond. I say that because never was it more necessary to get an all-party consensus in regard to the challenges that will face us in the next 12 months in particular. I say that also to those in the media who have a major responsibility to bring our people with us in these difficult times, particularly those in the media who earn very large salaries every week, month and year. They have a duty and a responsibility in this regard. The popularity of their radio and television shows can help to lead our people through these very difficult times.

On the Bill published by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Labour Services (Amendment) Bill and the regulations regarding FÁS, the Minister will be in the House and we look forward to discussing the Bill during its passage. As Senator O'Sullivan said earlier, we saw the good work local authority members did as members of health boards. We saw the services our people got when local authority members were members of health boards at very little cost, although at huge cost in terms of time on the local authority member. Members of local authorities, as well as Members on all sides of this House, should be allowed to serve on those boards because they are the voice and the watchdog of the people. That is what is needed when we see what has emanated in the years during which local authority members have not been serving on various boards.

Regarding the banks issue highlighted, it is my intention that we will have a discussion on the banks in the House at least once a fortnight. I have given a commitment to the House in that regard. I will endeavour to ensure that takes place next week as every day this week legislation will be before the House for the consideration of Members.

Senators O'Toole, Alex White, O'Sullivan, Regan, Harris, Norris, MacSharry and Feeney expressed their concerns about issues in the public domain regarding Members' expenses. A root and branch review of Members' expenses by Goodbody Economic Consultants has taken place. The review is before the commission and it is up to the commission to make a decision regarding the proposals that have been placed before it by Goodbody's. We have all taken a 25% reduction in our travel expenses, as have the public service, and we also have taken a 10% reduction in overnight allowances and whatever else goes with that, bringing us back to 1993 levels. These are issues that should be brought to the attention of the people we in the Oireachtas are here to serve. As Senator MacSharry said, it is a privilege bestowed on very few in any nation and we appreciate the privilege and honour of serving here in the Upper House. We will not be found wanting in terms of anything that can be done to correct the current imbalance and tell the people the truth of the news.

I am sorry that INN will not continue as a broadcaster. It gave a terrific service, particularly to those in rural areas where we were able to have local radio served. I hope that some other format will be put in place because information about the truth of the news is the essence of democracy and I do not want democracy to be undermined in any shape or form, whether it is inside the country or outside it, by those who are paying tax here or those tax exiles who do not pay tax here. We must be honest and frank with everyone because we as parliamentarians have done our bit in terms of bringing Ireland to where it is today from the time of the men and women of 1916 and 1921. We have nothing to be ashamed of. We are proud of the good work done on all sides of the House by all political parties, Taoisigh and leaders who had the great honour to represent our country. A serious imbalance is being created in the media morning, noon and night by people involved in the print media and those on the radio and television.

We will have a debate in this House on the role of the media and I invite submissions from anyone in the media who has something to say in that regard. The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland should take on the issue immediately. Democracy must not be undermined by anybody, especially in our hour of need when there is a recession and a downturn in the economy worldwide.

Senator Alex White asked me about the €4 billion required to be obtained in savings in the budget. I understood that was part of €12 billion to €13 billion in savings that would be required in the coming years. It was around budget time that I realised that this €4 billion in savings would be required in the coming budget. I may be wrong about that. I will get the matter clarified for the Deputy and come back to the House in the morning and inform the Senator of the up to date position on the serious question he asked.