Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Doherty and Ó Domhnaill spoke about the marine rescue stations in Malin Head and Valentia. Senator Doherty has been informed of the response Senator Keaveney received on this matter from the Minister yesterday. This clarifies the issue for people in those areas, who will be pleased with the confirmation that their services will continue.

Senator Ormonde called for a debate on the validation of educational qualifications. I have no objection to setting time aside for a debate on this issue. Senator Ormonde has great experience in the field of career guidance and related areas.

Senators Cummins and Coffey expressed grave concerns in regard to Waterford Glass. That company has built a brand name that is recognised throughout the world. I congratulate it on its achievements and assure it of our full support. However, the apparent plan to transfer hundreds of jobs to the Czech Republic is disappointing. At the same time, we must acknowledge that the cost of labour is far lower in other countries than here in Ireland. Ireland is an attractive base in terms of our marketing and accounting skills and the skills associated with research and development. Many of the companies currently engaged in research and development in this State intend to remain here.

There is an ever expanding market. Waterford Glass wishes to extend its market into other jurisdictions and the cost factor must be taken into account. There is no doubt it is a significant element to consider for any business. I am sure the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment will have no to objection to coming into the House to discuss the activities of FÁS, Enterprise Ireland and the IDA. I will allow time for a wide-ranging and comprehensive debate.

Senators Harris and Buttimer spoke about acts of good authority and general civility in society. I do not object to a debate on this issue and hope to have it take place in Government time before Christmas.

Senator Walsh called for a debate on the report issued in 2006 on various atrocities associated with the Troubles. I agree there should be a debate on this serious matter. In the interim, perhaps the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs will find time to discuss it.

Senator Kelly asked again for a debate on arts, sport and tourism. As someone who has a professionalism in this field, I respect his position, particularly his comments on the significant amount of activity now conducted through the medium of e-business. I intend to allow a lengthy debate on tourism.

In regard to Senator Kelly's comments on the Gaelic Players Association, GPA, I would welcome any initiative to bring together on an all-party basis current and former Members of this House who were county players, either hurling or football, perhaps under the stewardship of the Cathaoirleach, who represented his county with great success. In a quiet way, we might do something to assist the players. We are fortunate to have a Tánaiste and Minister for Finance who is a former county player. As a Tipperary man, Senator Kelly is a near neighbour of the Tánaiste in Offaly. Senator Kelly and I have something in common in that we both often wore the blue and gold. I and other members of my local club often joke that we sent our club colours down to Tipperary. Perhaps it was more a case of Senator Kelly's fellow countymen sending their colours up to us. I have no objection to a debate on this issue.

Senator Ellis asked about the boundary commission report. I intend to have an all-day debate on the proposals placed before us by the boundary commission. I have stated in the House that I intend to have this debated to its fullest because when a county is divided once, twice or on three occasions, or when provincial boundaries are breached for 4,000 votes, something is being done that is not in the interest of the voter.

This is an independent commission and we must not be seen to interfere with it. Whatever we do should be done in public and we should not be afraid to utter the convictions of our people and stand up for the areas we represent. What has a group of people in a rural area of 5,000 or 6,000 people got in common with cities with populations of more than 500,000, with regard to background of the divided areas? Who has the right to leave a county such as Leitrim with the possibility of having no Dáil representation not only for one five-year term but a second five-year term? It is unfair.