Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have also announced on several occasions that there will be a scarcity of Ministers to attend the House until June as Ireland holds the Presidency of the European Union for six months. Ministers have their responsibilities in that regard, as well as to the House. We have had all senior Ministers attend the Chamber when requested to deal with legislation. I will endeavour, as I have always, to have Ministers attend to hear statements. Many Ministers have co-operated, notwithstanding their busy schedules in the European Union and the other House. I agree with Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh on the Seanad - "We have not gone away, you know."

Senator Catherine Noone referred to Irish traditional music and its UNESCO programme listing. It is a matter the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, will probably attend the House to address. I am sure the matter is of interest to Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú who has been involved in the area for a long time. I will certainly bring the matter to the Minister's attention. I agree completely with Senator Catherine Noone on the measures the Government has taken in the context of tourism, including the 9% VAT rate. The rate has certainly borne fruit and I hope it will be continued.

Senator Terry Leyden is always a good man to look for a headline. He is probably the only person who does not agree that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine is doing his utmost to deal with the fodder crisis.