Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Bacik, Boyle, Twomey, O'Reilly, Healy Eames, Dearey, Harris, Walsh, Coghlan and Buttimer raised the issue of consensus.

I agree with Senator Fitzgerald in regard to the massive contribution carers have made and continue to make. Some €2.5 billion is a huge amount. The support for communities, as Senator Fitzgerald said, must be centre stage. I often find that during a downturn in the economy, volunteerism and support for the community is much stronger than when the economy is buoyant. We fully support the sentiments expressed this morning by Senator Fitzgerald in this regard.

On the economy, we have statements on the Croke Park agreement immediately following the Order of Business today, and there will be statements again in four weeks and again before the Christmas recess. We want to ensure the support of the Upper House of the Oireachtas for the Minister of State, Deputy Calleary, and his Department in light of the special responsibility given to him by the Taoiseach. We want accountability and we want to see that everyone who has given an undertaking in the Croke Park agreement is doing what they said they would do.

I take Senator Buttimer's point in regard to the Greens and Fianna Fáil being in unity but what about Labour and Fine Gael? I know Fine Gael's bona fides but I hear nothing in regard to consensus from the Labour Party. I say that in good faith and I look forward to hearing it clarified tomorrow on the Order of Business by Senator Alex White.