Ms Marian Harkin:

My view is that first we need to ensure that there are no gaps in European legislation. For places such as west Cavan and County Leitrim we need to consider agriculture and tourism. This is a short-term industry. I have commissioned one report about what is happening in New York state. I have real concerns about the industry. Nobody trusts large institutions or big business any more. I am no different from anybody else. I believe that it is not the way to go. Having said that, what can I specifically do about it? I can try to ensure that there are no gaps in European legislation so that if it were to come to pass and I opposed it, at least there would be safeguards.

I thank the Senators. As always I have gone on longer than I should have. I really enjoyed myself today. I hope some of the Senators have too. I leave it to the Cathaoirleach and others to decide how in the future there could be greater co-operation on specific issues. We can have a nice conversation but if there are specific issues of concern to the Seanad and to us we could set aside a time to work on them. Obviously, the Senators are busy and I am busy so there could not be too much of that work but it might be a good start. I wish the Senators well and I hope that when the people are asked about the retention of Seanad Éireann, they will think very carefully and vote for its retention.