Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator also welcomed the raising of interest rates in the US, saying it would be good for the economy of the world, eventually. Senator Coghlan spoke about the guillotining of Bills. A guillotine probably would have been introduced for a number of Bills yesterday but they were all finished in ample time and none was guillotined.I hope that the same will be the case today. Guillotining is not a good practice and the House does not practice it. I try to avoid it wherever possible.

Senator MacSharry raised the issue of the plight of the undocumented Irish and called for greater access for Irish citizens to the visa waiver scheme. If the Cathaoirleach, the House or I can do anything to improve their lot, we will not be found wanting.

Senator Keane referred to a court case. I do not want wish to comment on it, as the question of sureties is a matter for the judge. Any Senator can request a review of Standing Orders and make recommendations at any point in time.

I compliment Senator Crown on the passage of the Bill. Senator Walsh, in discussing public service reform, made the point that salary scales in public bodies should be published. I agree, as I see no reason for them not to be published.

Senator O'Keeffe rightly raised the issue of the plight of farmers. Many Senators have raised this in recent days. We will discuss it early in the new year.