Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I have no difficulty in providing further time for a debate on jobs which is a priority issue for the future. However, given the amount of legislation coming to this House, I suggest any Member who wishes to bring this issue to the Minister's attention should do so when he is in the House tomorrow morning for the Finance Bill 2009. That would be an ideal opportunity for colleagues to bring the matter to the Minister's attention.

Senator Ross, with the support of other colleagues in the House, including Senator Norris, asked that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Ahern, be requested to come into the House to debate the issue of the independence of information and sources of journalism and, in particular, the case involving Suzanne Breen. I have no difficulty in making time available for such a debate.

Senators Regan, Mary White, Keaveney, Quinn, Buttimer and Mullen expressed their shock and horror at the reports in today's newspapers on alcohol abuse. I agree with the sentiments expressed, in particular in regard to the 6,500 deaths and the €3 million being spent in our hospitals in this regard. This is an enormous challenge to society, one we did not face years ago when people had no money. There is nothing wrong with alcohol, rather it is the abuse of alcohol that is at issue. Many Members of this House are lifelong members of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association. Everyone must be responsible. However, I inform the House that the sale of alcohol Bill which seeks to codify the law in regard to the sale and consumption of alcohol will be published late this year. It is opportune that we would have a lengthy debate in this House on alcohol and alcohol abuse before the final parts of that Bill are drafted. I will endeavour to provide time for a debate on this matter prior to the summer recess, if at all possible.

Senator Norris proposed an amendment to the Order of Business. I hope to be able to respond to this matter tomorrow morning. I tried to obtain a response on the matter for this morning but owing to a special Cabinet meeting last night that was not possible. I hope to have a response on the matter tomorrow morning.

Senator Coffey called for a debate on the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, report on water quality. I have no difficulty in passing on his concerns to the Minister, in particular the unacceptable problems in the Waterford region. The Senator is correct to bring these matters to the attention of the House. I will pass on his comments to the Minister following the Order of Business.

Senator Hanafin raised an issue of great concern to the world, namely, the intention of the South Koreans to search ships leaving North Korea and its preparedness to go to war should that happen. I agree with the sentiments expressed by the Senator and will endeavour to arrange a debate on this urgent matter with the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Senator Callely welcomed the major economic conference taking place in Dublin which will provide Ireland with an opportunity to show Third World countries how it progressed and became a successful nation during the Celtic tiger years. That the conference is being held here acknowledges that Ireland is one of the leaders in the world in its field in terms of our economic recovery. It is hoped that in 12 to 18 months we will be able to look back on these difficult times and say we have done it again. I welcome the conference to Ireland.