Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, McCarthy, Boyle, Coghlan, Harris, O'Sullivan, Buttimer, Cannon, O'Reilly, Norris, Hanafin, Donohoe, Leyden, Bradford, Ó Domhnaill, Doherty and Daly made their views known to the House on the announcement made this morning by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan.

Yesterday Senator O'Toole and others asked me to contact the Minister of State, Deputy Calleary, concerning a debate on progress under the Croke Park agreement. The Minister of State will be only too pleased to attend the House given an opportunity to do so but definitely bimonthly to provide an up-to-date report on events for which he has been given special responsibility.

On the announcement made this morning by the Minister for Finance, the House will discuss the economy later and I can confirm that the debate will continue next Wednesday. It will be an opportunity for every Senator to make a contribution. I congratulate most Senators on the responsible way in which they have conducted their affairs, but under no circumstances can I agree with Senator Doherty. Deputy Brian Lenihan is one of the most outstanding public representatives to have held the portfolio in the history of the State.