Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I, too, extend my sympathy to the families of Dick Barry and Harry Blaney. I was not acquainted with Dick Barry, but I knew Harry Blaney for many years when he was in this House and before when we were both members of the General Council of County Councils. He was an absolute gentleman, one whose heart was always in the right place. He epitomised the ethos and values within our party and was always prepared to stand up and defend them. That challenge faces many of us now, in my party and others.

I welcome the announcement today by the National Roads Authority about the improvement to the N11. It is good to see this, not least because it is needed and long overdue but also because capital expenditure will generate jobs and improve infrastructure in the south-east corner, particularly my own county of Wexford. That infrastructure will I hope be a driver of economic growth. Rosslare Europort is one of the major entry points for goods into the country and when the motorway is finished, it will end at Gorey. There is a real need for the rest of that section of roadway to be prioritised. I hope that will follow immediately after this section is done.

I agree with my colleague, Senator Ned O'Sullivan, in asking the Leader to have an early debate in the House on the forthcoming abortion Bill. I agree that the debate should be conducted in a respectful way that will recognise that there are different viewpoints, but it must also be honest. This morning I heard a senior politician on radio claim that the Bill would protect the unborn. If that kind of dishonesty is to be injected into the debate, it is not going to be respectful.