Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I will endeavour to respond to this very serious matter that has been raised today and which concerns women. I have full confidence in everything the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney is doing. However, she stated in this House, if I recall correctly, that the hospitals which provided value-for-money and did their best to achieve good hygiene standards, would be provided with additional services. Mullingar hospital has lost the breast cancer unit but we want to see stage two, phase 2b, completed. We also want another service in Mullingar for the people of Longford and Westmeath to enhance the excellent service.

As all Senators have expressed concern about this issue, we will have an all-day debate on the issue after the Order of Business next Tuesday. I thank Senators for their patience and understanding on the question of the Minister coming to the House on a day suitable to her diary of appointments.

Senator Alex White asked about two new Bills and I will reply to him later this afternoon with information as to their position in the Government's legislative programme. I fully agree with some of the sentiments expressed by the Senator.

Senator Leyden expressed his concerns about the threatened strike in Aer Lingus. He is a former Minister of State with much experience in both Houses of the Oireachtas and I will pass on his views to the Minister.

Senator Coghlan raised the issue of the regulation of solicitors. He called for the establishment of an independent regulatory authority. I will pass on his views to the Minister following the Order of Business.

I reiterate that 99% of solicitors have the trust of the people of Ireland and they have provided a wonderful service down through the years. We fully support them but we wait with bated breath in the hope their executive will put their affairs in order and it will not be afraid of the challenge that lies ahead. The Oireachtas would rather leave it to the professionals to do that as quickly as possible.

Senators Coghlan, Buttimer and Kelly commented on the dispute between the GAA and the GPA. We all hope common sense will prevail and an accommodation can be found. If mediation is needed, I am sure the Cathaoirleach and like-minded Members who wish to see a resolution to this problem will be available to assist.

Senators Keaveney and John Paul Phelan raised the issue of the academy of music and the pilot project that was so successful in County Donegal. I support their call and I will pass on their views to the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism. Senator Keaveney also called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs to come to the House to discuss the peace process and I will seek a date in his diary. I agree with the Senator that last night's horrific fire in Omagh, County Tyrone, was a terrible tragedy. Our hearts go out to the relatives of the family involved. No one would like this to happen in any town or village or to any family.

Senator McDonald called for the implementation of the Carol Coulter report. I fully support her request and I will pass on her views to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform regarding family support, rapid response and other issues. I will establish whether the Minister can attend the House for a debate on all these matters

Senator O'Reilly raised an important issue regarding women who had to retire when they married in the 1960s, particularly in rural Ireland. This issue acutely affected the wives of small farmers. I will ask the Department of Finance to carry out a costing to establish the amounts involved and to ascertain whether 40,000 people in receipt of non-contributory pensions are affected by this. A small number of people are involved but when administration costs are deducted, the net saving may not be that much. I will ask the Department to carry out this over the next week and I will come back directly to the Senator.

Senator O'Donovan sought a debate on the fishing industry. I will provide time for a debate before Christmas, as requested by him.

Senator Donohoe expressed strong views on the effects of the bus strike and he made valuable suggestions regarding the establishment of a strong powerful authority. Fine Gael has Private Members' time next week. Perhaps Senator Fitzgerald could facilitate a debate on one of the extremely urgent issues raised by Senators. I have no difficulty passing on Senator Donohoe's views to the Minister for Transport.

Senator Mullen called for a debate on education. I gave a commitment on this previously and I am endeavouring for this to happen.

Senator Norris referred to the licence granted for the operation of an oil refinery at Bellanaboy, County Mayo. If the Senator wishes, perhaps we arrange for the Minister responsible to come to the House to debate this issue.