Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Buttimer spoke about emigrants in Europe. I can invite the Minister concerned to discuss that serious issue.

Senators Boyle and Quinn spoke about the appropriation accounts and Senator Quinn called for a debate on the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

A number of debates have been requested this morning. Independent Senators will be proposing a motion for Private Members' business next week, so the issues raised by Senators Quinn and O'Toole could be debated then. Senator White and his team might consider addressing their priorities when the Labour Party proposes a motion the following week. That would assist the House because, as Senators will be aware, legislation must take precedent. We try to facilitate other important issues raised on the Order of Business during Private Members' time from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Senator McFadden raised an important local issue concerning the midlands area, and counties Roscommon and Westmeath in particular. I fully concur with the Senator on the proposal to take 350 million litres of water per year from Lough Ree. We were in agreement on the issue during the general election, as were my colleagues, Deputies O'Rourke and Penrose. It may stop the serious flooding we have experienced in the Shannon area if water were taken in the winter months and stored in Dublin over the summer. Perhaps it could be done on a six months on, six months off basis. However, I do not know how practical or possible that would be. We will have a serious debate on this matter and I am happy to allow time for that, in response to Senator McFadden's call.

Senator Bacik called for a debate on life in the home and paternity leave. I will determine if the Minister has time to facilitate such a debate, which would be very worthwhile. Senator McCarthy is a long-standing Member of the House and the longest serving member of the Labour Party. I acknowledge his great experience and expertise and have no difficulty in agreeing to have a debate on the greener homes scheme, as requested by the Senator.

As usual, Senator Coghlan is seeking the most up to date information. The Privacy Bill 2006 and the Defamation Bill 2006 are being drafted and are due to be published early next year.