Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I welcome the decision by Mr. Richie Boucher not to take the hike in pension entitlements. As I said in the House recently, the messages we give and the language we use are very important, especially at this very sensitive time. To accept that massive hike would have been wrong and at least Mr. Boucher has seen the light. However, the Government must put mechanisms in place to ensure no further hikes in pension entitlements on such a massive scale are permissible. The Government must be strong on this matter.

With regard to the theme yesterday of emphasising the positive things happening in the country, will the Leader allocate time for a debate on manufacturing and the export potential the country is developing? Thousands of small businesses were in existence prior to the arrival of the multinationals and successfully creating employment and developing skills and trades in their communities. Unfortunately, owing to a lack of focus or lack of competitiveness many of these businesses have struggled, but they have survived and are still strong. I hope they will have a strong future. We should consider their potential, what small business and manufacturing mean to the country and how they can stimulate employment.

In response to Senator Dearey, perhaps the Fianna Fáil Senators are beginning to see the light on the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill and the threat it poses to the greyhound industry and rural sports such as hunting. I urge the Leader to bring the Bill before the House and accept the amendments Fine Gael has proposed to protect the industry and rural areas. We would certainly welcome this. I also welcome the fact that the Leader is beginning to see the light.