Niall Ó Brolcháin (Green Party)

I enjoin Senator Mary White's comments on thalidomide. This an important issue. I trust Senators from all parties are behind the call. There was a breakthrough in the committee yesterday because the Minister, Deputy Mary Harney, stated full information would be made available to the 32 thalidomide survivors. I hope their case will be fully dealt with in due course.

I refer to the smart economy, which several Senators mentioned today. It is important to hold a debate on the smart economy to be clear what we are discussing and what progress has been made in respect of it. All parties on every side of the House believe there is great potential in the smart economy but the question I wish to put is whether it is happening on the ground. There is evidence it is not taking place to the extent it must and it is important to hold a full debate on this matter and all other documents relating to the economy early in the new session.