Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

The Taoiseach is due to launch an initiative of the Road Safety Authority tomorrow. I welcome Senator O'Donovan's proposal.

Senator Kelly called on the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism to attend the House to discuss his portfolio. The Senator was most knowledgeable about the various areas to which he referred in his address to the House. I will have no difficulty in providing time for such a debate.

Senators Keaveney and Doherty called for a debate on education. A motion on lifelong learning will be discussed in the House later today and Members will have an opportunity to contribute to that debate. However, I will have no difficulty in providing time at a later date for a debate on education with the Minister for Education and Science.

I will make inquiries for Senator Norris about the current status of his Bill. Senator Leyden called for a debate on the European reform treaty. I will have no difficulty in inviting the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, to attend a debate in the House on this matter. I join in sending best wishes and congratulations to the deputy leader of the House, Deputy Boyle, on becoming chairman of his party.

Senator McFadden called on me to make inquiries of the regulator regarding the connection of Moate, Kinnegad, possibly Rochfortbridge, Tyrellspass and Milltownpass to Bord Gáis's network. They are all located on a line in the constituency which the Senator and I are honoured to represent. I will make inquiries on that matter on the conclusion of the Order of Business and I will revert to the Senator.

Senator Healy Eames expressed her disappointment about the serious matters that have taken place recently involving solicitors and called for a debate on same. People have placed their trust in the legal profession. Most solicitors have been lifelong friends to thousands of families through the years. However, when something exceptional happens in this regard and trust is damaged, I have no difficulty in allocating time for a debate.