Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I echo the sentiments expressed by Senators Boyle, Ó Brolcháin and Donohoe with regard to the Seanad. The Seanad has upped its game significantly in respect of the serious challenges the country faces. In general, the standard of debate, the quality of the suggestions and the constructiveness is quite good although there are exceptions. Given what we will face in 2010 it is important that we try to raise it by another notch or two.

I do not really wish to comment on the court case in Kerry because I do not know a lot about the ins and outs of it, not having heard the evidence. I read what was reported in the newspaper and I heard the brother of the accused on the radio, which put a different perspective on it.