Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Bacik spoke about developing links with China, a matter which was taken up by Senator Healy Eames and others. It is very important to develop further links with China and other countries at this point, especially when so many people are unemployed. It is desirable to develop relations with countries like China and the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Gilmore, is working on that now.

Senator Quinn made a very good point on the various collection agencies and the fact that the system seems very inefficient. I will take up the point with the Government, as it seems to be very inefficient to have so many collection agencies throughout the country. Senator Byrne mentioned the definition of "Constitution", which I will get. If Members in the House wish to use the word "Constitution", I cannot prevent them from using it.

Senator Healy Eames spoke about examining the presidential nomination process, which must be done after the forthcoming presidential election. Senator Cullinane spoke about the sale of State assets. As I mentioned, the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, will be in the House on 5 October, and the Senator may raise the sale of State assets at that time. It is hypocritical of Sinn Féin to lecture the Government on asset sales when the party took a leading role on the issue in the North of Ireland earlier this year. At that time the Northern Ireland Executive established a central asset management unit in the office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, with instructions to sign off £100 million in assets. People in glass houses should not throw stones, as I was always told.

Senator Mulcahy spoke about the ongoing problems of companies with credit from banks, an issue that can be raised with the Minister for Finance, who is due in the House next month. Senator Leyden mentioned motion No. 17, which has been discussed in the House. I reminded the House yesterday of Government motion No. 16 on Palestine, which is a very reasonable motion on the agenda. Some of the Senator's remarks were very close to anti-Semitism.