Ivana Bacik (Independent)

Senator Mulcahy was the first speaker to raise today's announcement on Shannon Airport by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, and the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar. I will write to the Ministers to welcome the decision and seek updates, as requested by Senator Mulcahy.

Senator Zappone sought a debate on the rights of older people. As I noted, a debate on the issue has been arranged for 12 June. She also sought a debate on the report into the "Prime Time Investigates" programme on Irish missionaries abroad. We may have such a debate in the coming weeks.

Senator Harte supported the call for a debate on policing and noted that crime levels have been reducing, which is a welcome development.

Senator Norris was in flying form when he sought a debate on the media and privacy, making a number of puns. He also supported the call for a debate on the motion on the transfer of information between the European Union and the United States. I understand that despite the news on the underpants bomb, there will be no requirement for persons to remove underwear at airport security locations, which is a matter of some relief. The House will debate the media and privacy.

A debate on mortgage arrears, as requested by Senator Bradford, will be held on Tuesday next.

Senator Cullinane raised the stability treaty and the need for growth. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade made clear his warm welcome for incoming President Hollande's growth oriented strategy. The Government has long argued for such an approach as Ireland has much to gain from stimulus measures to promote growth. As other speakers noted, it would be useful to have a further debate on this issue. In light of the limited time available before the referendum takes place, I may speak to the other leaders about having a debate without a Minister present. The House debated the treaty on 14 March and the referendum Bill on 23 April. We could have a further debate in the context of the referendum campaign, although it would probably take place without a Minister. We will arrange a meeting of the leaders to discuss the matter.

Like Senator Moloney, I welcome the extension of the JobBridge programme and congratulate the four girls who have developed an app - application software - for sign language, a most innovative idea. It would be good to have a debate on this issue and I note Senator Keane supported Senator Moloney's request for such a debate. A great deal of work is being done on the development and recognition of sign language in the centre for deaf studies in Trinity College Dublin.

I support Senator Leyden's call for a debate on the report of the Royal College of Surgeons on cannabis.

Senator Comiskey called for a debate on the agri-environment options scheme for farmers. It may be useful to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

Senator Barrett joined calls for a debate on stimulus and growth. As I noted, we may organise such a debate in the coming fortnight, albeit perhaps without a Minister.

Senator Conway referred to the announcement today on Shannon Airport. I also look forward to a world class aviation centre at the airport. We may have a debate on the issue in good time given that the announcement has just been made.

Senator Wilson also welcomed the extension of the JobBridge scheme.

Senator Mullins referred to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland's report on the RTE programme on missionaries abroad. We will arrange a debate on the issue before the end of the term.

Senator Quinn requested debates on the stability treaty and sign language, both of which I have addressed.

Senator Colm Burke requested a debate on the referendum, which we will organise, and raised the issue of the Quirke report. I will ascertain whether the Minister for Justice and Equality is available to discuss the issue in the House. The Senator may wish to raise the matter on the Adjournment if he wishes to make a specific point.

Senator Mooney referred to the band, Dervish. While I am not aware of the details of the case, I can look into the matter. I thank him for praising the Tánaiste's balanced approach to the Middle East. We had a good debate on foreign affairs with the Tánaiste during which the issue of Israel and Palestine was raised.

Senator Noone referred to the stability treaty, which I have addressed. While I am not aware of UPC political channel 901, I take her point.

Senator Ó Domhnaill also referred to the treaty and the comments of the Governor of the Central Bank, Professor Honohan. I will try to arrange a debate on that issue. The Minister for Finance has emphasised the benefits of an EU level approach to recapitalisation, which is a view shared by the Governor.

Senator Keane referred to sign language and the national positive ageing strategy. The latter can be raised with the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, when she comes before the House on 12 June.

Senator O'Neill voiced support for a debate on the report on cannabis and called on the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to introduce the clamping Bill. I will have to consult the legislative programme as I am not sure what is the position with the Bill. I hope it will be introduced without delay and it would be good to have it introduced first in this House. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, will tomorrow introduce in this House the Criminal Justice (Withholding Information on Offences Against Children and Vulnerable Persons) Bill, while last week the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, introduced a Bill on animal rights and animal welfare in this House. It is always welcome to have legislation introduced first in the Seanad.

The debate on mortgage arrears requested by Senator Jim D'Arcy will take place next week. I have written to the Minister of State, Deputy John Perry, on foot of a request by Senator Landy seeking a briefing with all colleagues in the audiovisual room with representatives of the two pillar banks. I hope such a briefing will take place.

Senator Eamonn Coghlan raised the closure of Garda stations and referred to the Athy triathlon, TriAthy. While I agree with the Senator's sentiments, the specific point he makes could be raised on the Adjournment.

Senator Moran referred to the extension of the JobBridge programme to lone parents and those on disability allowance, which I welcome. We can seek to have the Minister for Health come before the House to discuss delays in the assessment of children. This is a matter of considerable concern which could also be raised on the Adjournment.