Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)

Perhaps we might discuss it more immediately. Our colleague, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, has been proactive on this matter in the other House and we in this Chamber should act likewise. This issue is very important for energy security and 500 jobs are at stake in the Kerry region.

On a lighter but not entirely jocose note, I am happy about the extended sittings of the Seanad and will be glad to continue until 15 August, if needs be, but it has come as a tremendous shock and is a matter of deep regret to me that the Leader proposes to bring us back in the third week of September which, as the entire world knows, is the week of the Listowel races, a most important event in the racing calendar and a major festival for the whole south west of Ireland.