Accusations to the effect that a great deal of hot air emanates from this Chamber are sometimes made. There is certainly no hot air coming from the radiators this morning.

I join colleagues in paying tribute to Jimmy Walsh. I have come to know Jimmy during the past 11 years and he is exactly as a number of previous speakers have noted, namely, very accurate, balanced and courteous. The title "Gentleman Jim" rests very easily on his shoulders. I wish Jimmy well in his retirement.

Senator Norris has stated people throughout the country are of the view that we in this House do very little. I wish to second his proposal that, for one day, we should move our operations to somewhere such as Athlone in order that the general public might see exactly what we do. This would afford us the opportunity to listen to the concerns of those who live in the surrounding community. As Senator Norris suggested, we might also take the opportunity to visit certain areas to which most of us would not normally have an opportunity to travel in the normal course of events. The Senator's proposal is extremely worthwhile and if it can be accommodated, then we should do as he suggests.

I wish to defend the Taoiseach. I was disappointed to read in one of this morning's newspapers that the other party in government has chosen to launch a personal attack on the Taoiseach. While most of us on this side of the House would disagree with many of the decisions the Government has taken, the Taoiseach is merely the chairman of the Cabinet. That Cabinet consists of Labour Party and Fine Gael Ministers. Regardless of what the Labour Party wants us to believe, it is as much responsible as Fine Gael for any decision the Government takes. I am disappointed that the Labour Party has chosen to engage in a personal attack on the Taoiseach - the chairman of the Cabinet - in order to prevent its candidate from coming fourth in the by-election in Meath East.

Will the Leader invite the Minister for Justice and Equality to come before the House in order that we might discuss, openly and frankly, the difficulties which continue to affect An Garda Síochána? As Senator MacSharry stated, the Garda Commissioner, who is obviously just a mouthpiece for the Minister, has announced that the four members of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors who walked out of their conference during the Minister's speech are to be disciplined-----

This is shocking.

-----for democratically representing, in the only way possible, the members of their organisation. The individuals in question were mandated by the Carlow-Kilkenny district of An Garda Síochána to do what they did. It is sad if they are to be disciplined for taking democratic action in the only way open to them.