Seanad debates

Thursday, 20 January 2011

11:00 am

Photo of Donie CassidyDonie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Walsh asked for a debate on the high cost of the tribunals, some 14 years on. I will try to see if I can facilitate the request that has been on the Order Paper for some time. Senator Coghlan asked about the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill that has been published, which will be passed by this House before we go to the country.

Senators Leyden, Buttimer, Quinn and Carroll spoke about the difficulties being experienced by Aer Lingus, its workers and passengers. I agree with everything that was said this morning and Senator Quinn has great experience in this area as has Senator Leyden. It would be common sense for everyone to sit down and negotiate whatever needs to be finalised and let the company trade in these very difficult times. The company should oblige the people who want to support Aer Lingus by giving the service for which it has been renowned for many decades.

Senator Callely spoke about the major export growth and I welcome the 150 jobs coming to Cork from the leading software company, Quest Software, which has 100,000 customers worldwide. It is more good job creation news. The Senator also spoke about obesity and suggested that a calorie count of food being sold should be displayed in restaurants, which is a very good idea, and I would have no difficulty in passing on those strong recommendations to the Minister.

Senator Daly reminded us that today is the anniversary of the First Dáil and acknowledged those who were in attendance as well as those elected Members who were in jail at the time. I fully agree with the sentiments that we should cherish all the children of the nation. How time has flown if this is the 50th anniversary of the John F. Kennedy inauguration. It was an uplifting experience for everyone in Ireland when President Kennedy took office and he certainly opened up the new Ireland and gave us that massive confidence as an Irish people, something we will never forget.

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