Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I have seen many publications in the print media many times and if the truth of the news is not getting down to the people — all Members know what happened on general election day — the people will speak. They will not purchase such magazines or such untruthful issues that one hears of or sees from time to time.

Senators O'Toole, Ó Murchú, Daly, Norris, O'Reilly and Fitzgerald all raised the horrific incident from Saudi Arabia and the House stands united in its condemnation of what has happened. After the Order of Business has concluded I will ask my private secretary to contact the private secretary of the Minister for Foreign Affairs to convey the views expressed by Senators. If a debate is required, I will ascertain whether the Minister's diary can facilitate Members in the near future.

Senators Alex White and de Búrca called for a debate on incineration. This is also timely and I have no difficulty in setting aside time for this purpose. Members have heard both views from the Senators, one from each side, and I will leave it for the debate to commence.

Senator O'Donoghue called for the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to come before the House spoke on achieving best value. All Members can agree with this sentiment. As Members are aware, budget day will be next Wednesday week and I intend to ask them to agree to hold a special budget debate that evening, starting at 6 p.m. This will be a first for the House and will be for Members to express their views at the same time as Members in the Dáil. Hence the early steps in Seanad reform can commence in the House that evening.

Senator Ormonde called for a debate on An Bord Pleanála and the role of its members. This is a worthy request and I will leave aside time for it. I join in Senator Ormonde's wish that the Irish troops be supported by the UN. I am endeavouring to have the Minister for Defence here next week to update us on the situation, allow Senators to express their views and congratulate the Defence Forces on the peacekeeping they have done all over the world in the past 50 years. We have contributed to peacekeeping above the numbers of our population.

Senator Cummins called for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to meet the Quinn and McCartney families on their terrible tragedies. I will pass the Senator's views on to the Minister and attempt to ensure everything is done to bring those responsible for the murders to justice. Everybody would like this to happen.

Senators Bacik and O'Donovan called for a debate on children's rights. I have no difficulty putting time aside for this. Senator Corrigan called for a debate on people with intellectual disabilities. I can agree to put aside time for this, especially in light of the law reform report, which the Senator pointed out to the House.

Senator McFadden called for a debate on pharmacists. The Minister will be in the House in ten minutes and this is an opportunity for the Senator to acquire time from her spokesperson on health, Senator Fitzgerald, to bring that point to the Minister. Many of our constituents have contacted Senators McFadden and Glynn and me over the past 24 hours to ensure they will be able to make a living. The small, family pharmacy seems to be under siege and we could lose 500 to 600 of the 1,500 pharmacies in Ireland if they are not allowed to make a profit on their products. The Minister will be pleased to clarify this later.

Senator Hannigan called for a debate with the Minister on the property management companies. This is timely and I can allow for it.

Senator Norris raised road safety in his characteristic strong and forceful fashion, particularly in his views on county managers. We had an extended debate here on road safety last week and I congratulate all Senators who participated. However I wait for the Government to take the lead on black box technology. This must be implemented, and then we will know whether fault for an accident lies with the drivers, the county councils, the car manufacturers or somebody else. The black box will definitively identify the culprits within 20 minutes.

Senator Healy Eames called for a debate with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs on the subject of domestic violence. I have no difficulty in putting aside time for this.

Senator Coghlan spoke about the ninth report of the All-Party Committee on the Constitution. I can pass his views to the Minister and update him later this week. As this is in the programme for Government, he can rest assured it will be done.