Yesterday, I was asked to support Senators McDowell and Boyhan on the invitation to the Russian ambassador to the House tomorrow. I rejected it because I thought the ambassador should be here as the embodiment of Russia. I have changed my opinion because I have been contacted by a number of people, some of them in the diplomatic corps. They say the ambassador should not be here. He would take away from the event and become the focus of attention. I will be supporting that amendment today with Senators McDowell and Boyhan.

The Minister of State with responsibility for transport called for the Defence Forces to be put into Dublin Airport to solve the security problem. Are the Defence Forces the only people in this country who can stop floods and fires and fill every goddamn gap there is? Any time there is a bit of a problem, we throw the Defence Forces at it. They are the poorest paid people, the most abused and lacking in respect in this country. It has to stop.

I concur with Senator Craughwell. It was disappointing to think the Russian ambassador was being invited in the first instance and to be afforded that additional privilege. I am so happy a diplomatic storm has been averted by him having the good sense not to turn up where he is not welcome.

I would like to associate myself with the warm welcoming comments by Members of the House to the victorious Senator Tom Clonan. As my colleague, Senator Garvey, said, he can be assured of the total co-operation of the Green Party. In the spirit of the House I can safely say he will get this from every quarter and none. It was an electrifying, interesting and invigorating count. It amplified the need for simple reform, like a six-seater single constituency, which does not need a referendum or the substantive Bill Senator McDowell is bringing through the House. We really should consider those to help the Seanad.