John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I will discuss the Taoiseach's attendance in the House with the Leader. I know the Taoiseach has come to the House and is committed to doing so at least once in each session. However, it would be more appropriate if the line Minister took the debate on Aer Lingus.

Senator Ryan mentioned the pre-budget submission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Croatian who was placed in an institution in Artane in the 1950s. We will have opportunities to raise the first issue next week when speaking on the Estimates for the forthcoming budget. I take it that the Senator has raised the issue of the Croatian gentleman with the Minister for Foreign Affairs or will be writing to him about it. I ask the Senator to communicate the matter to the Leader's office, where the Leader can take it up.

Senator Fitzgerald referred to the OECD report on third level education. A debate on education should be scheduled as soon as possible and I will ask the Leader to include it on the agenda.

Senator Terry raised issues concerning stamp duty. The debate on the Estimates represents a forum in which these points could be highlighted.

Senator Kitt spoke of care of the elderly. All Senators recognise that particular attention needs to be paid to the elderly. We must continue to put in place mechanisms to support the issues highlighted by the Senator. I will ask the Leader to schedule a debate on care of the elderly. We had such a debate during the last session and the former Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Callely, was present therefor.

Senator Henry mentioned facilities for prisoners. As one will know, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law reform attends this House very frequently, and when he does so again we should speak about outreach programmes.

Child care was raised by Senator White. I presume there will be an opportunity to discuss this in respect of the Estimates on the forthcoming budget. Just as the welfare of the elderly needs to be discussed, so too does the welfare of children. We should try to arrange a debate on children in general, not only child care but also the issue of children dropping out of education for various reasons. I will ask the Leader to consider this suggestion.

Senator O'Meara mentioned last night's Private Members' motion and suggested that we revisit it. I have given assurances in this regard.

Senator Bannon called for a debate with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the AgriAware report. I have not seen the report but I will communicate the Senator's views to the Leader's office.

Senator Glynn called for a debate on the security of ATM machines and credit card fraud. There is no doubt that statistical evidence indicates that the amount of credit card fraud has been phenomenal. There have also been significant advances in security in this area. Those of us who have credit cards all know of recent changes in the design of cards to enhance security. I will raise this issue with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Senator Ross also called for a debate on Aer Lingus. I have covered this issue. He also raised the issue of pensions. I remind him that the Leader has responded to a call for such a debate by a number of Senators from both sides of the House. They sought it at the end of the last session and at the beginning of this session, and it has been scheduled. Senator Ross was one of the Members who sought the debate, which will be allowed. I have covered the debate on Aer Lingus.

Senator Hanafin referred to The Economist report which was also referred to yesterday by Senator Quinn. On the Estimates debate, we can discuss the positive aspect of how this country has developed in recent years. Senators Browne and Dooley sought a debate on Aer Lingus, with which I have dealt.