Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Twomey, O'Toole, Bacik, Boyle, Ó Murchú, Norris, Coghlan, Buttimer and Callely all congratulated our local authority workers, public transport workers, the Garda Síochána, the Civil Defence, the Defence Forces, hospital staff, church leaders, teachers and all those helping during the very bad weather we are experiencing. I fully agree the media have a responsible role in this regard and in fairness to our national television channels and radio stations, they are answering the call and are providing up-to-date information, practically minute by minute. I say well done to them. We certainly need all the assistance that can be given.

As Senator O'Donovan outlined, the Irish Farmers Association, the Gaelic Athletic Association, all sporting organisations and Macra na Feirme are trying to help rural people in areas where no gritting is taking place. They must be commended on that. The local authorities should use their discretion in these areas.

Senator Carroll highlighted the difference in the regulations and in the interpretation of them in the local authority areas. I will pass on the Senator's comments to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, in particular in regard to the Senator's native county of Louth, after the Order of Business.

I agree with Senator Callely that we should encourage our people to buy local and buy Irish at this extremely difficult time. The bad weather will have a considerable impact on the retail sector. As someone involved in the retail business for many years, I have often said that three or four snowy weeks before Christmas, when more than 50% of the year's profitable turnover occurs, would be a disaster for the retail sector. I fully support Senator Callely's call to shop local and buy Irish, if at all possible.

Senators O'Toole, Boyle, Norris, Ó Brolcháin, Coghlan, Hanafin and MacSharry called for speedier implementation of the Croke Park agreement. This House has taken on the responsibility of holding the Minister, the Department and everyone involved to account for the speedy implementation of the agreement and I want to send the message out loud and clear that this House will hold them to account on a monthly basis. The Minister has been very forthcoming in supporting that call by the House. That is what we will do until the agreement is implemented.

Senator Bacik asked about the budget which will be announced next Tuesday. We will debate it for as long as Senators require. She again raised the question whether the recent agreement with the EU, ECB and IMF needed to be passed by the Dáil in accordance with an article of the Constitution. The Taoiseach has rebutted this concern and the Attorney General has advised the Government on how it is conducting its business and on constitutionality in this regard.

Senators Donohoe, Norris, Coghlan, Ross, Hanafin, Buttimer and MacSharry called for a debate on the Central Bank report. I have no difficulty holding such a debate before the Christmas recess. I mention the issues outlined in the House this morning, including the sheltered professions. It is an area the Government is seriously considering currently. We had a long debate yesterday at the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party meeting on how we can fast-track this and implement it as soon as possible.

Senator Ó Brolcháin asked about the up-to-date position on the climate change Bill, about which Senator Bacik asked yesterday. The Bill will be published in the next two weeks.

Senator O'Donovan called for a debate on the fishing industry. I propose that Fianna Fáil Private Members' time next Wednesday be used to respond to this urgent matter and the challenge in regard to the Common Fisheries Policy and the industry.

Senator O'Reilly referred to job creation and hope. I fully agree with his wishes in that regard and I will do everything I can to see that it is covered over the next few days, starting today.

Senator Buttimer called for a debate on the national lottery which is very timely. I have no difficulty arranging such a debate but perhaps he might speak to the Fine Gael leader and use Fine Gael Private Members' time, if possible, to debate it before Christmas. It is an issue about which many constituents are asking.

Senator MacSharry called for Senator O'Toole to reconsider his position after the next election. We all echo that call. He has been a tower of strength to this House and has been central to many of the changes that have taken place over the past 30 years. No one has made a greater contribution to public life or to the affairs of this House than the Senator. I fully agree with Senator MacSharry's call, and I would say I am speaking for all Members of Seanad Éireann.

Senator Callely spoke about the Order of Business. That is governed by Standing Orders, as I am. It is implemented under the supervision of the Cathaoirleach, and I extend an invitation for anybody with a good idea to improve the Order of Business and make it more meaningful. I have no difficulty in that taking place.