Mr. Jim Higgins:

Each member of the bureau is assigned specific responsibilities. I have a series of responsibilities but the ones I have fought for and succeeded in getting cover the Parliament's library service and the designation of exhibitions. There are 27 exhibition spaces, which are much sought after. Apart from running a very efficient and effective six-month Presidency, Ireland should use the exhibition spaces to showcase Ireland in its many different spheres. With that in mind, I block-booked a considerable number of the exhibition spaces for Ireland and its Presidency. We kicked off in spectacular fashion. The month of January saw John Banville, whom Wexford people, in particular, will know as the author of 18 novels and six plays, the winner of the Man Booker Prize and the man who writes under the pseudonym Benjamin Black, give readings in the European Parliament. It was an all-ticket affair. The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, launched the Irish art exhibition, which included 27 spectacular paintings by Irish artists and three sculptures. Last month, a 51-person choir from my constituency, Cill Aodáin Choral Society, provided entertainment during an Irish visit.

I sponsored a competition in conjunction with the Donegal Democrat to discover the best slogan for the Union. We received a huge number of entries. Senator Harte will know that Donegal sometimes feels a little detached from the rest of the Republic. Some of the slogans received were absolutely spectacular. A child from Edeninfagh national school won the competition with her slogan. The prize involved my bringing her and her family to see the Parliament at first hand. I decided to present the prize myself at the school, which is outside Glenties. The principal, Mr. Oliver McGinley, had the students all pumped up, having told them a very important MEP was coming. He said the MEP was the man who sponsored the prize. When I went into the school, he said, “Daltaí, seo é an fear a bhfuilfimid ag labhairt faoi.” This translates as, “Students, this is the man we have been talking about”. For the students, Jim McGuinness was more famous, which soon burst my bubble.

Last week saw the launch of Pictiúr, a touring exhibition containing contemporary Irish children's book illustrations. This was organised in association with Children's Books Ireland and Laureate na nÓg. In addition, we had a poster competition. Leader representatives are to visit very shortly. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann does spectacular work in regard to the performance of Irish song, music and dance. A spectacular joint venture involving Bord Bia and Diageo was co-sponsored by Ms Mairead McGuinness, MEP. As my former colleague, Senator Colm Burke, will testify, whenever there is food and drink around, one has no problem getting a crowd in the European Parliament.

Mr. Jim Sheridan, who directed "My Left Foot" and numerous other productions, is to visit. A musical group from County Cork called Pulses of Tradition is to come out. That event will be co-hosted by Mr. Seán Kelly, MEP. The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association, ICSA, will be promoting Irish agriculture on 24 June and 28 June.

Overall, the Presidency has been going extremely well. Getting the two big-ticket items, which are crucial for the Union, including Ireland, represents a huge achievement. I was speaking to the Irish ambassador, Mr. Tom Hanney. During the Irish Presidency, we have brought to fruition 21 issues, including directives and regulations that have been hanging around for four to five years. That we have held the Presidency for the seventh time, know how presidencies work and have very skilled negotiators in the Perm Rep and among the additional civil servants we have taken on indicates that, of all the Irish presidencies, which have been good, the current one has been uniquely successful.

The Senators face a dilemma. Last night I listened to Senator Feargal Quinn debating the future of the Seanad with Professor Eoin O'Malley. I listened to the vox pops taken on the street. They were not very encouraging but radio and vox pops can be very selective. I hope the Senators enjoy the remainder of their term. I certainly enjoyed every moment of my 11 years here. I know the Senators will continue to do a good job through making an input to the parliamentary process. A Leas-Chathaoirligh agus a Sheanadóirí, go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.