Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Alex White, Boyle, Coghlan, Ó Murchú, Quinn, Walsh, Healy Eames, Ó Domhnaill, Prendergast, Buttimer, Donohoe, Bacik and Hanafin welcome that the strike has been called off. I welcome the good news and wish the talks and future deliberations well. The majority of people want to see as many jobs maintained as possible. Wages are not the be all and end all anymore; it is about having a job, having something to do and being able to make a contribution. Next Wednesday I will propose on the Order of Business that the House adjourns at 3.30 p.m. until 6 p.m. to allow colleagues to attend the budget debate. The House will return at 6 p.m.

Senator Buttimer was anxious to know when the next election will be held. My best guess is May 2012. The last thing the country wants is a general election because it we had one, we would have two.