Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

If we generate growth in the coming year or two, irrespective of who is in power, many options will be available to the Government of the day. However, we must get growth going. That is what all the small and medium-sized enterprises, the self-employed and the families business are saying. Will the money we will receive generate growth? That is the simple question the people want answered when we knock on their doors.

I thank everyone who organised the peaceful ICTU march on Saturday as well as the people who travelled from the four corners of Ireland to let their views be known in a peaceful way.

Senator Cummins and other colleagues congratulated local authorities and outdoor local authority staff, in particular, on the excellent work they have been doing over recent days due to the very inclement weather. County Westmeath had seven to ten inches of snow last night and I acknowledge the work done by local authority workers there this morning.

Senators Cummins, Keaveney and Regan referred to last night's "Prime Time Investigates" programme on cigarette smuggling and the high tar content of these cigarettes. The team who produced the programme should be congratulated on it. The €500 million lost to the Exchequer each year was highlighted, as well as the cost to our health service. The last year I was a member of the former Midland Health Board, it conducted research indicating that 75% of all patients in the medical wards that year suffered from respiratory diseases which were caused in no small way by smoking.

Senator Keaveney referred to abuse in sport and the "Panorama" programme and I noted what she said. Senators Ormonde and Walsh called for a further debate on Seanad reform. I have no problem arranging a debate but all parties in this House have put their proposals to the Minister. We want the White Paper published immediately and Seanad reform to take place before the dissolution of the Dáil. The Seanad must follow suit 90 days after that dissolution occurs.

Senator Bacik referred to the Climate Change Bill. I will make inquiries into it. Senator Leyden congratulated Dr. Michael Somers who is one of the most outstanding Irishmen of our time in regard to financial matters. He had a great track record in his previous position. His outlook for the country is uplifting and he spelled it out in laymen's terms. Ireland is a small open economy and things can change quickly once the foundations are put in place. Then again, it is all down to growth, which I hope will happen.

I welcome the 100 jobs announced by Accenture yesterday. I was surprised that no one welcomed the creation of these jobs. This House will have to lead the way. If the media will not carry good news, we should be the ones to welcome the 100 jobs announced yesterday.

Senator Callely referred to a constitutional matter which is before the Supreme Court and the Cathaoirleach ruled on it. Senator Callely will write to the Cathaoirleach in this regard.

Senators Quinn and Walsh and other colleagues referred to the spirit in our communities, in particular in supporting the elderly in our communities in these very difficult and inclement weather conditions. We should visit our neighbours and be part of our communities. As Senator Quinn said, we should give that extra time, whether it is one day a month, one day a week or whatever, to show good example and leadership. Most of us became involved in public life through involvement in communities. Only for our communities, none of us would be here representing any party in either House.

Senator Walsh congratulated Fianna Fáil-led Governments over the years on putting money into the National Pension Reserve Fund and on reducing the national debt which was absolutely huge when we took over in 1987. The top tax rate was 65p in the pound and the lower rate was 35p in the pound. We turned things around before and I have no doubt the resilience of the people will help the Government of the day to do so again.