Dan Boyle (Green Party)

Today we have had a more varied assembly of requests from Members but some were also carried over from yesterday's Order of Business. I regret that I have not been able to announce the availability of the Minister for Health and Children to attend the House. I am confident, however, that we will have confirmation of her intention to come here by the time we meet again next Tuesday. Several Members raised the question of the governance of the health services on top of yesterday's concerns about cancer care, and whether it is possible to have combined statements on both matters. I think that can be facilitated. It is accepted that today's briefing session, following the first such session last year, is not the most satisfactory for informing Members of the Oireachtas, allowing Members to voice their ongoing concerns or discuss the development of health policy. Perhaps collectively we can come up with better ways of approaching these maters when the HSE next offers such a facility.

Senators Frances Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Alex White and others broached the question of Seanad reform. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has responsibility at Cabinet level for progressing this matter. I understand he is in the process of writing to the Leaders of political groupings in both Houses seeking a reconvening of the committee that was established during the last Dáil and Seanad. Once established, I would like the committee to have a time commitment, perhaps even as narrow as six months, in which to undertake its work. We have an agreement from the last Dáil and Seanad, which is the 11th such report. There have not been any legislative or constitutional changes in the make-up or workings of this Chamber since it was established under the 1937 Constitution. We have a responsibility to ensure such changes can come about in the lifetime of the 23rd Seanad. I can certainly give my personal commitment on that.

The question of an agreed motion on Irish emigrants has been debated in the Lower House. It was raised here by Senators Alex White and Doherty. I cannot see any difficulty in having such a debate and I think the House will speak with one mind on that issue. As someone who was born in the United States, the son of Irish immigrants, I can readily identify with the matter.

Senator Keaveney raised the question of early schooling and the development of music in the curriculum. I am convinced that I became the Green Party's finance spokesperson because I was seen strumming a guitar at a party convention. It is obviously true, as Senator Keaveney said, that the development of mathematical and musical skills are on a par and our primary school curriculum should reflect that.

Senator Bacik sought a debate on development aid which can be easily arranged. In light of recent statements, we should also focus of the disability programme in such a debate. She also referred to access to child care for children with disabilities. Initially, the implementation of the Disability Act is concentrating on the 0-5 years age range. In implementing personal development plans for this age group, it is hoped that many of these continuing difficulties can be overcome. However, if a debate is needed to show progress on that, we can arrange it.

Senator Bacik also called for a debate on family reunification, as did Senator Donohoe. The immigration Bill will come before the House early next year and we hope that will provide the forum. Most Members are frustrated with the current system and the need to make it more humane and more efficient. I realise that Senator Bacik is speaking at a conference on this next week.

Senator Buttimer asked about the current Cork Airport debt. As I understand it, the airport will stay under the auspices of the Dublin Airport Authority until an agreement is reached. Everybody in the Cork area thinks that this is unsatisfactory.