Although there is much more work to be done, it is great news that Ireland's legacy debts have been deemed a special case by Germany and France.

Fan go bhfeicimid.

Show us the money.

Of course we are a special case.

We are a basket case.

Senator Norris is right.

We saved the entire European banking system, particularly as we took on-----

I would expect the other side to ride the storm together. We are in this together, for God's sake.

Do not be giving us any of that false nonsense.

Do you know what it means for our country?

We do indeed.

Senator Healy Eames should address her comments through the Chair, please. Her time is up.

Every citizen of Ireland is hurting because of this legacy debt.

Which the Senator's party leader stated we should repay in full.

We should send Senator Healy Eames to negotiate.

The Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, should press on and secure a deal before we take over the European Presidency. I say this for a reason.

The Senator's time has concluded.

I realise that, but I wish to speak one sentence.

I must call Senator Leyden.

If we do not secure the deal before we take over the European Presidency, we will be seen to be selfish and to make it about us.

The Senator is not entitled to make a statement. She has made her point.

Each time a foreign Minister comes to Ireland, it will be seen to be about our debt. Securing the deal before we take over the European Presidency will achieve much for Germany, Ireland and Europe.

Statements are not allowed on the Order of Business.

Senator Healy Eames should visit Chancellor Merkel.

Senator Leyden has one minute and should not start a confrontation.

There are no flies on Chancellor Merkel.

The Senator would frighten the life out of her.

Does Senator Leyden have a question?

The Chancellor would give in straight away. The Leas-Chathaoirleach should not be too severe with me. I have had bad experiences over the years. They are mentioned in the book.

The clock is ticking.

I thank Senator Jim D'Arcy for his kind words. Mrs. Mary O'Rourke's autobiography is entitled Just Mary.

In the book she mentioned the Seanad and the esteemed Clerk and Clerk Assistant, noting their professionalism, which is much recognised.

It is not appropriate for us to discuss Mary O'Rourke's book.

It has been mentioned. The Leas-Chathaoirleach allowed Senator D'Arcy-----

I warned the Senator at the beginning not to become involved in confrontation. He has 20 seconds left.

The section in question is devoted to Charles J. Haughey. It refers to a Christmas visit to Abbeville.

If Senators wish to do so, they can read the book. It is not appropriate to discuss it now.

Is the Leas-Chathaoirleach recommending it?

I have not seen it. The Senator has 20 seconds left. Has he any matter to raise besides these frivolities?

I had no intention of raising that matter at all.

The Senator has wasted one minute and 15 seconds.

The day is long.

It is not. The Senator's time is limited.