Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Leyden called for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to attend a debate on the legal profession and the proposal for a legal services commission and putting in place new procedures. As I said last week, solicitors, in the main, have been trusted by families for generations. We do not want to see anything happening to that trust. I hope in the coming weeks we can have a debate on the difficulties that have recently emerged in the news.

Senator Glynn made a timely call for the use of fireworks to be licensed so they can be used in a controlled way during festive times. All Members agree with these sentiments and I will pass them on to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. We can have a debate on this worthwhile proposal when we are debating environmental matters.

Senator Keaveney expressed her disappointment at the announcement by Seagate on the closure of its plant in Limavady. The company employed 900 and all Members will join with the Senator in this disappointment. However, we must also welcome the announcement by a former Member's company, Northbrook, of the creation of 300 jobs in the North of Ireland. I will pass on the Senator's concerns at the Seagate closure.

Senator Keaveney also called for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to address the House in a debate on North-South Ministerial Council meetings. We have had a debate once every year at least in this regard, with the Minister for Foreign Affairs updating the Seanad on matters pertaining to Northern Ireland. I have no difficulty with this and it should happen before Christmas if at all possible.

I am certainly in agreement on the music therapy debate and am conscious how important that is. Senator Keaveney has excellent skills in this area. Her expertise is a major asset to the occasional discussion in the House of matters pertaining to the music industry.

Senator Maria Corrigan sought clarification and I apologise to her and to Senator Tony Kett, because I overlooked finding out from the Minister about the matters she quite correctly raised. I shall certainly take this matter up today and I have no difficulty in allowing time for the Minister to come to the House again to take proposals from very experienced Members in this field such as Senator Corrigan. Her membership of the House will certainly enhance debates pertaining to this area over the next five years.

Senator Jerry Buttimer also called for a debate on Health Service Executive services, especially in the south. There is no difficulty in allowing time for this.

Senator Ivor Callely called for a debate on the role of pharmacies and the progress of the current discussions with their representatives. As I said the last time this call was made, there is no difficulty in allowing time for this.

Senator Ivana Bacik called for a further debate on crime. I have no difficulty with this either as we all know there is no longer a fear of the law. I call on members of the legal profession who are Members of both the Dáil and Seanad to come together and contribute to a debate on how we can put back that fear of the law. Ultimately, that is what it is all about, regardless of the crime. We must look to the professionals to come to our assistance. It is the professionals in each area who can bring about meaningful change.

Senator Larry Butler called for a debate with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on housing. As the House knows, a debate on this issue is scheduled for today and I look forward to the Senator's contribution. He quite correctly pointed out that 5,000 houses under local authority stewardship appeared to be vacant. The Senator has some knowledge in this regard and will impart it later in the debate in the House.