Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

There is no one on an ego trip, particularly in a time of recession. I fully support the will of the people 30 years ago which decided this should take place. A motion was passed in this House last Wednesday week that it should take place. It is a top priority for me, as Leader of this House, to deal with this, but we must understand that it is not politics as usual at this time. In January, I will go to the Government to see how we can have movement on the proposal. I give that commitment today.

Senator O'Toole made many good proposals on tourism. In recent weeks we had a tremendous debate on tourism with the Minister present. Many good proposals were brought to the Minister's attention and I hope many of them will be included in the budget proposals. Senators Boyle and Leyden referred to a debate on democracy and I have no difficulty with that. Senator Boyle also brought a number of issues to the attention of the House and I will pass these on to the Minister after the Order of Business.

Senators Leyden and Norris referred to the Government Information Service. There is a serious challenge with the attention of the world media on everything taking place in Ireland's economy. I will pass on the views of the Senators after the Order of Business.

Senators Keaveney, Ó Murchú, Ó Brolcháin and Butler referred to the outstanding submissions made by the Spirit of Ireland people. This represents a window of opportunity, as Senator Butler said, where the country can make €60 billion in savings in energy costs in the next ten years through new energy such as wind power and wave power. Geographically, Ireland could be the energy country of Europe. It is exciting and uplifting good news in these difficult times. I will do everything I can in order that it can be centre stage on the floor of the Seanad for a debate in the future. I have no difficulty supporting the call.

Senator Keaveney referred to children with exceptional talents who have been getting a fair chance to achieve their potential. I fully support Senator Keaveney in her call. Senator McFadden referred to the postal Bill, which will be in the House next week.

Senator Burke called for a debate on financing local authorities. I agree with him on this point because local authorities face major challenges. Every local authority faces a massive financial challenge because it is difficult to collect rates. The retail sector has had its back to the walls for the past two years and a debate on this will take place before Christmas.