Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)

I, too, join in the calls for an early debate on the Cloyne report. The Taoiseach's speech in the Dáil yesterday was highly significant and clearly signals the State's intention to put its house in order and put in place structures that will ensure we never see the type of abuse reported in the Cloyne report.

I call on the Church at leadership level to be equally open and forthright. As a practising Catholic I, like others, want to see the Church face up to its responsibilities for once and for all and restore confidence in the Church, and the organisation, out of respect for the very many fine priests who have served the faithful over the years.

I support Senator Cullinane's call to invite former President Mary Robinson into the House for a discussion on the awful situation unfolding in Somalia. It would be appropriate for all of us to acknowledge the fantastic work being done by relief agencies such as GOAL, Concern and Trócaire. As public representatives we should support those organisations and encourage our constituents to help out. We have difficulties in our own country but they pale into insignificance when we see what is unfolding in the Horn of Africa.

I join in the congratulations to our Leader who is doing a fantastic job. It is nice to see Members of the House acknowledge the reform taking place here and the significant debates being held. Our exchanges yesterday with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Coveney, were excellent and highly significant.

I join in the good wishes to the Taoiseach in his efforts at the EU Summit today. I have no doubt he will go there with a pep in his step, given the support we read about in the opinion poll this morning. People support him and believe he is doing a good job on behalf of the country, and we all want to see him continue that good work.