Fiona O'Malley (Progressive Democrats)

Now Senator Carroll knows how lucky he was officially.

I agree with those Members who have spoken about the strike yesterday and the positive and realistic attitude of one of the union leaders who has expressed himself keen to arrive at a solution. I look forward to this because, as Senator Ó Murchú said, this concerns the future of the country and its viability. It is in all of our interests to have the strike stopped and get everyone working together, recognising the need for the €4 billion cuts next year. We must also keep an eye on the €4 billion in cuts that will be necessary the following year. We cannot get carried away about this year because there will be difficult times and if we have learned one thing from the 1980s, it is that we must do this fast and furious.

My colleague Senator McDonald said she would persist with this issue, but at a briefing this morning by Women's Aid, we found out that today is the first of 16 days in highlighting the issue of domestic violence. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the topic. This is pertinent because the 16 days are not just a recognition of the problem in Ireland but globally. We could do our bit by showing solidarity with the rest of the world in highlighting the issue. I hope I have saved Senator McDonald raising the issue every day and that we will have a debate on it within the next 16 days.