Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I appreciate that. I am not sure whether the Leader would agree to holding a debate on the matter to which I refer. However, I am sure we will be able to deal with it on Second Stage of the Finance Bill.

I welcome the tourism industry report that was launched yesterday by the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation. Many of the recommendations contained in the report are in line with policies Fine Gael advocates and which it will hopefully be implementing in the near future. It is heartening that the confederation points out that 20,000 jobs can be created in the tourism industry in the next five years. With the type of proper economic regeneration policies that my party is advocating and that it will - in conjunction with a five-year investment programme - be including in its manifesto, this important indigenous industry, which has taken a battering, can recover quickly.

I am delighted that, as Senator O'Toole observed, sense has dawned on the people in Aer Lingus and the IMPACT trade union. Ireland is an island nation and if people cannot fly here, the consequences will be disastrous during the forthcoming tourism season. As everyone is aware, the tourism sector did not do that well last year. I welcome the developments that have taken place.

Senator Boyle voiced his hope that this will not be the final Order of Business of the Seanad. If the Lower House sits next Tuesday as expected, I do not understand why the Seanad cannot also sit in order that housekeeping and other matters relating to staff etc., might be dealt with. I urge the Leader to arrange a further sitting of the House.