Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I, too, join the tributes to Jimmy Walsh in respect of the contribution he has made during the past 40 years. In any democratic system, it is important to have a very good and fair media. Jimmy has made a major contribution to the democratic process in the way in which he has reported on matters in this House and in the Oireachtas generally for many years. I wish him every happiness in his retirement.

I wish to comment on a matter raised by Senator Norris. I do not want the impression to go out that Senators are completely disconnected from the general public. I am sure the Leas-Chathaoirleach will agree that if Senator Norris visited his constituency on any given weekend, he would discover that the Leas-Chathaoirleach is very much in touch with the people who live there.