Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Accusations to the effect that a great deal of hot air emanates from this Chamber are sometimes made. There is certainly no hot air coming from the radiators this morning.

I join colleagues in paying tribute to Jimmy Walsh. I have come to know Jimmy during the past 11 years and he is exactly as a number of previous speakers have noted, namely, very accurate, balanced and courteous. The title "Gentleman Jim" rests very easily on his shoulders. I wish Jimmy well in his retirement.

Senator Norris stated that people throughout the country are of the view that we in this House do very little. I wish to second his proposal that, for one day, we should move our operations to somewhere such as Athlone in order that the general public might see exactly what we do. This would afford us the opportunity to listen to the concerns of those who live in the surrounding community. As Senator Norris suggested, we might also take the opportunity to visit certain areas to which most of us would not normally have an opportunity to travel in the normal course of events. The Senator's proposal is extremely worthwhile and if it can be accommodated, then we should do as he suggests.

I wish to defend the Taoiseach of our country. I was disappointed to read in one of this morning's newspapers that the other party in government has chosen to launch a personal attack on the Taoiseach. While most of us on this side of the House would disagree with many of the decisions the Government has taken, the Taoiseach is merely the chairman of the Cabinet. That Cabinet consists of Labour and Fine Gael Ministers. Regardless of what the Labour Party wants us to believe, it is as much responsible as Fine Gael for any decision the Government takes.