Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)

I congratulate the Cathaoirleach, Leas-Chathaoirleach, the Leader, Senator McAleese and all other Senators on their contributions in the House this morning.

I must admit I had some reservations about whether it was a good idea but it has come to pass and I welcome it. It enhanced the Seanad. I hope the Taoiseach was watching. Perhaps he might rethink his view of us.

It was informative. Clearly, the mindset of the Orange Order has not changed. Our guest made that clear although the dialogue was good. We would not want to lose the run of ourselves, however, and the idea that Orange marches are of tourist potential in this country is a long way off. On 12 July there will be the stern-faced men with their bowler hats, their sashes and their hob-nailed boots, with their Lambeg drums, going through very sensitive areas. That is not a Macnas parade; it is not the Mardi Gras. However, we live in hope.

I refer to a matter I am sure has already been covered, the increased number of people who have paid their household charge, which I welcome. I congratulate the people concerned because these are tough times and this was a very difficult ask for many who had to cough up that money. They were less than enamoured by the cack-handed way in which this was handled by the Government. Ultimately, however, the majority are not listening to the shrieks and harpy voices of those who are trying to preach revolution in this country which I find very heartening. It might be an indication of the way forward.