Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Hannigan, Boyle, Harris, Coghlan, Mooney, Leyden, Bradford, Ó Brolcháin, Norris, MacSharry, Bradford, Ormonde, Twomey, Daly, Quinn, Hanafin, Coffey and Donohoe expressed their serious concerns regarding the economy. I very much look forward to the first debate on the Croke Park agreement which I have ordered for tomorrow. I met the leaders of the groups in the House today and we are strongly of the view that we will have debate on this issue once a month, and the Minister is very forthcoming and co-operative in this area. The first of the statements will take place in the House tomorrow following the Order of Business and I look forward to as many colleagues as possible participating.

The challenges facing the Government, which have been expressed in the House today by all colleagues, are formidable. We are all agreed that the figure is a minimum of €3 million. Some strong views have been expressed today and there is a total commitment by the Irish men and women elected to represent the people of Ireland in the Upper House, Seanad Éireann. It is very uplifting to hear the determination and common sense that have been expressed here by colleagues on all sides of the House. The proposal put before us by the Minister, Deputy Gormley, must be welcomed. I know everyone wants us to put the country before party and before person. As was said by Senator MacSharry, a young and dynamic Senator who wants to make his contribution, as we all do, and by those who have been here for quite a while and are extremely experienced, including those who were here when the last massive downturn happened in 1983-87, we all know what has to be done and we are all prepared to do it. Whoever participates, all parties have the responsibility, not just the Government, because it is a worldwide problem.

It amazes me when one sees what is happening in the United Kingdom, where all of the various strategies the British Government is endeavouring to achieve are practically the same as those that have come forward from our Government in the past 12 to 18 months. We must be doing something right. At the end of the day, it is action that is needed. We will all support the Government. Whatever time is needed in the House, I have no difficulty whatsoever listening to the ideas of individual Members and responding positively in regard to how Seanad Éireann can make a difference at this very difficult time in our country's history.

Senator Hannigan referred to mortgage arrears and the 36,000 families who are over three months in arrears. This issue can be brought to the Minister's attention when he is in the House tomorrow. I have no difficulty having the Minister for Finance come to the House to update us at any time before budget day.

Senator Boyle raised the issue of safety procedures in regard to the experience of the unfortunate people in Hungary and called for the Ministers for Health and Children and the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to come to the House. I have no difficulty with this taking place.

Senator Cummins referred to No. 22 on the Order Paper, which concerns a Bill entitled an Act to amend the Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) Act 1947 in regard to registration in respect of the Administrative Panel. I have no difficulty in supporting this proposal. As Leader of the House and leader of Fianna Fáil in the House, I fully support it and will find how it can be discussed at the earliest time. It involves a short amendment to the Bill and I have no difficulty giving it our fullest support.

Senators Cummins, Mooney, Ó Murchú and Coffey outlined the serious breaches that have allegedly taken place involving Russian citizens in regard to Irish passports. I fully agree that the protection of the integrity of our passport is vital. It is what we have been respected and acknowledged for all over the world. I fully support the calls and will pass them on to the Minister following the Order of Business.

Senator Mooney raised the issue of intellectual property rights and the High Court decision yesterday. I was in touch with the industry today. I will discuss this issue with the Senator following the Order of Business and I intend to lobby Government as strongly as possible. The protections that exist for the Germans and the French can easily be duplicated in this country by amending the legislation as required. The eminent judge made a strong remark in this regard in his summing up. Anything that will interfere with intellectual property rights is important given the many thousands of people employed in this country by multinationals, so we cannot be other than 100% ethical in this regard. If a short Bill is necessary, I will make the Seanad available for initiating the legislation in order that it can proceed to being approved speedily by both Houses. It is urgently needed. I fully agree with Senator Mooney's comments today.

Senator O'Donovan asked that the Minister for Transport be invited to the House to discuss the problems for small vessels which he highlighted, the regulations that are in place and the 200 families that are seriously affected. I will see what I can do to speed this up and will refer back to the Senator on the matter.

Senator McFadden expressed her condolences to the wife and family of the late Mr. Maurice Neligan. He was a wonderful person and I wish to be associated with the Senator's comments. I knew Maurice Neligan personally and am proud to state that for many years I assisted on the first Sunday in May each year in fund-raising for his heart foundation. What a wonderful man he was and what a massive contribution he made to Ireland and our medical sector. I extend our condolences to his wife and family.

Senator McFadden also raised the issue of the new national children's hospital to be located at the Mater Hospital site. I welcome the announcement today of the provision of €650 million for it. The planning application has been made and work is due to start next year. It is due to be completed by 2015. A total of 400 single rooms of the highest standard will be available for sick children in this new magnificent setting. I welcome the good news in the positive announcement today about the hospital. I have been listening to debate on this issue for almost 15 years in the Seanad and Members on all sides of the House have been anxious to have this state-of-the-art facility available for children.

Senator Leyden and Senator Bradford spoke about Senator Mullen's achievement in the European Parliament last week in having his motion passed. I join them in their comments.

Senator Ormonde asked that the Minister be invited to the House to discuss the new guidelines announced in recent days regarding sham marriages. I have no difficulty with this taking place.

Senator Daly requested that the Minister for Finance be invited to the House to give Members an update on corporation tax. My understanding is that there will be no change in that tax. The Minister will be in the House tomorrow to discuss the Croke Park agreement. The corporation tax of 12.5% is sacrosanct as far as we are concerned. It is fundamental to giving us a serious advantage in terms of securing jobs in this country from multinationals. This is an island nation and we must have some advantage. This is one advantage on which our position is "hands off". The Minister will be in the House tomorrow and Senator Daly can avail of the opportunity to have him confirm that.

Senator Quinn spoke about business. We are all familiar with the Senator's many achievements. He quite correctly pointed out that when overheads are too high, something must be done. Business is not about turnover, but about overheads. Savings must be secured. I fully agree with the Senator regarding the difference we can make. That said, we must work hard and earn a reputation for the Upper House.

Senator Coffey raised the issue of housing, the up-to-date position in the roll-out of housing stock and the latest position with regard to local authorities. He sought a debate in the presence of the Minister. I have no difficulty with such a debate taking place.