Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator McCarthy spoke about Cork Airport and planning. I am pleased to inform him that we will have a debate on planning next week. Although it is a resumed debate, we will give it another title so that those who spoke previously will also be allowed to speak.

Senator Callanan spoke about Greencore and the final legal document he said would be presented next week. Senator McHugh spoke about the renewable energy strategy. If it can be done in the United Kingdom it would cut back on the need for energy, as it currently stands, by 2050.

Senator Morrissey raised the ports issue and Dublin Port. He also wants a debate on the proposal regarding the Great Southern Hotels and asked what was happening in regard to the State airports. Senator Ross also called for an immediate debate on the Great Southern Hotels.

Senator Daly asked about the number of development agencies in the mid-west. He wants clarity on the promotion of industry in the mid-west region and called for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to be invited to the House to discuss the issue.

Senator Cummins raised the question of nursing home charges. It is important to say that from time to time people make statements about various matters. Before Christmas the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Coughlan, said that the one-off yearly payment would not be paid to farmers but the payments were already in train; I understand 98% of farmers were paid. Yesterday, a statement was made to the effect that there was no increase in road grants in a particular county. I inquired about that and it turns out there was a very high increase in road grants for that county. The Senator who mentioned it is not here so I will not name him.