On Monday,  2nd March, I spoke on Today with Pat Kenny (RTE Radio 1) on the upcoming TV series "Retail Therapy with Feargal Quinn". I was joined by Fionnuala Law of X-IT Department Store in Finglas and Florence Higgins of Green's in Claremorris, Co. Mayo. The 6-part series will begin on Tuesday, 9th March 2010 at 8.30pm on RTE 1.

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: With regard to pensions, some years ago Senator O’Toole referred to the fact he was one of those who spoke about the need for universal pensions. I fully supported that then but let us not jump to the conclusion that this will be easily done for private pensions...

During a Seanad debate on the Irish Tourism Industry, I said: I welcome the Minister of State. I have been in his part of the world a lot recently and it is impressive. I was very impressed by the figures he outlined to the House, particularly the figure of 200,000 jobs dependent on the tourism industry...

During a Seanad debate on Job Creation, I said: I welcome the Minister of State. It is impressive to see the amount of work that has been done and the effort made. Some of what we have heard of today is already taking place in many ways...

During a Seanad debate on the Depleted Uranium Weapons Bill 2009, I said: I add my voice to those who congratulated the Green Party and Senator Boyle and Senator Dearey on introducing the Bill. I am delighted to hear that the Minister of State believes it is a good Bill...

During a Seanad debate on the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Financing) Bill 2009, I said: Those who have spoken and who will speak do so with far more expertise in this area than me and it was interesting to hear Senator Regan and Senator O’Donovan speak about experience of money coming into his office...

I was part of the panel on Mariance Finucane, RTE Radio 1 (Sunday, 28th February 2010). For a podcast of the programme, please click here.

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: I call for a debate on overseas development aid, as I fear the targets we set may be lost as we begin to become selfish about ourselves. In 2005, 15 European nations set a target for overseas development assistance of reaching a figure of 0.51% of GDP by 2010. At 0.52%, Ireland has surpassed that figure which a number of other countries have also reached.

"In the new TV series 'Feargal Quinn's Retail Therapy' to be broadcast on RTE 1 (starting Tuesday, March 9th, 8:30pm), Feargal works with six independent shops to help them battle the downturn and remain relevant in a cut throat and over-crowded market."

"As the founder of the Superquinn chain of supermarkets in the 1960s, Feargal built the business up into one of Ireland's most popular and respected brands"...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: I also welcome Senator Dearey. As one who began his career as a retailer in Dundalk, it is great to have another retailer from that part of the wee county in the House...