Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

——Ronan McGreevy of The Irish Times who, following in the proud tradition established by Jimmy Walsh, writes reports on our proceedings. I am sure we all hope that in the new year the media will focus a little more on the work done by this House. I have a real concern that if the latter does not happen, there will continue to be a lack of empathy among members of the public in respect of what this House does, the constitutional role it plays and its important place within the parliamentary structure. I am deeply concerned that in a constitutional referendum on the Seanad, the electorate would make its decision without being in possession of all the necessary information. However, that is a matter for another day. Perhaps the large cohort of political journalists who circulate around this complex and who tend to focus their attention almost exclusively on the Lower House might, on occasion, come to this Chamber not only to write colour pieces — which are very amusing in their way — but also to report on the important business we do here.

I extend my plea in this regard to RTE, which covers the proceedings in Leinster House in its "Oireachtas Report" programme. I am sure Members will have noticed the lack of proportion in RTE's coverage of the Houses of Parliament. That coverage conveys a message to the effect that if important work is not done in the Dáil Chamber, then it is carried out by the committees. This House continues to do its business and to discharge its constitutional responsibilities. In that context, I appeal to RTE to display a greater degree of balance with regard to the time it devotes to the business of this House. Members will agree that more happens in the Seanad than just the Order of Business. It is rare, if ever, that one will see coverage of this House's legislative role on "Oireachtas Report".

I hope I have not forgotten to mention anyone. I wish everyone a happy, holy and peaceful Christmas. Like the Leader, I hope Members will return, renewed and reinvigorated, for the new session in 2012. I thank the Cathaoirleach for indulging me on this, the final day of the current session. There is a song which begins with the line "Oh the weather outside is frightful". I ask that everyone spare a thought for those who are homeless this Christmas and for those who are without hope because of the economic situation in which we unfortunately find ourselves. We should also spare a thought for families that are going to be struggling this Christmas.

The final comment I wish to make takes the form of a patriotic rallying cry and it echoes what Senator Colm Burke stated earlier in the week. I hope that when they go out to spend their hard-earned money during the final week of the pre-Christmas shopping period, those who are listening and watching will consider that each time they purchase an Irish-madeproduct, they are saving a job. To everyone present I say, Nollaig Shona dhaoibh go léir.