I, too, join the tributes to Jimmy Walsh in respect of the contribution he has made during the past 40 years. In any democratic system, it is important to have a very good and fair media. Jimmy has made a major contribution to the democratic process in the way in which he has reported on matters in this House and in the Oireachtas generally for many years. I wish him every happiness in his retirement.

I wish to comment on a matter raised by Senator Norris. I do not want the impression to go out that Senators are completely disconnected from the general public. I am sure the Leas-Chathaoirleach will agree that if Senator Norris visited his constituency on any given weekend, he would discover that the Leas-Chathaoirleach is very much in touch with the people who live there.

The Leas-Chathaoirleach does not represent a geographical constituency.

I am sure the position is likewise in Senator Cullinane's constituency in Waterford. If Senator Norris wants to spend the weekend with me in the constituency of Cork North-Central, he is very welcome to do so. I do not want anyone to obtain the impression that Senators are disconnected from the public in any way. Some 80% of the people who visit my constituency office wish to raise issues relating to social welfare. In the context of social welfare, the Government is not disconnected from the people. In the two years since it entered office, it has issued an additional 251,000 medical cards. A total of 165,000 of these were issued in the past 12 months alone. The Government is not disconnected from what is happening.

That may be what the Senator believes but the people disagree with him.

Senator Colm Burke to conclude, without interruption.