Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Twomey, Ó Murchú, Keaveney and Coghlan offered their congratulations to the Chilean ambassador. On behalf of the House, I congratulate the President of Chile and his lady wife, who stood by the mine as the 33 miners returned from the dreadful conditions in which they had lived for 70 days. Returning those miners to their families was a marvellous achievement on the part of the engineering staff and everyone involved. It was uplifting to watch and was compulsive television viewing. It was a good event that lifted the people of Chile and most of the people watching across the world. I hope the inspiration given by the Chilean men and women who made it possible will be felt throughout the world. I send our congratulations and best wishes to the Chilean President and ambassador.

Senators O'Toole, Cannon and Buttimer discussed advertising jobs in the public sector, public sector reform and local authorities. County Westmeath has an excellent county manager in Mr. Danny McLoughlin, who is also the director of services for the electoral areas of Mullingar east, Mullingar west and Coole. Where there used to be four directors of services, there are now only two.