Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I support other Senators in their call for a debate on the media and, in particular, what has happened in the past 24 hours. I have spoken at length to the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Deputy Hanafin, about her new portfolio. She is absolutely delighted. I heard her on three occasions in three media outlets, from the time she met the Taoiseach yesterday morning to receiving her seal of office, describe the challenge which lay ahead for her and say how thrilled she was with her portfolio. No matter what language she uses, RTE and others still come out and say it is a demotion. The Minister has said she is thrilled about it, is looking forward to what is a great challenge, particularly in the areas of tourism and job creation.

I support Senators White and Walsh in their calls for a debate on public sector reform. It is terrible to see what is happening in front of our eyes today and what has been happening in recent days on Molesworth Street. There are rights and wrongs on both sides but there are no winners. Talks have to be started. Talks are taking place at the Labour Court-----