Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

——should, over the coming three or four weeks, make a special allocation for road safety in their Estimates. The Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business, of which I was a member, the Joint Committee on Transport, which was chaired by Senator Ellis, and the Road Safety Authority have done considerable work in this regard. We have come a long way in that 100 people are alive today who would not be alive had we not implemented the proposals made over the past 18 months. Two thousand or 3,000 people would have been in serious accidents or maimed for life.

The unfortunate tragedy that took place two days ago only 15 miles from my home, in which two young lives were lost, is most regrettable. I express my sympathy to the two families involved. The National Roads Authority must ensure that reasonable distances are maintained where major route changes are made. I refer to the need to have at least a quarter of a mile of roadway fully visible.

Senators O'Toole and Alex White expressed the need to address the issue of risk management in hospitals. Senators can debate this when the Minister is present.

Senators O'Toole, Coghlan, Keaveney and Doherty called for a debate on planning regulations in areas where holiday homes are purchased in vast numbers. Their request to invite the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to the House is valid.

Senator Alex White asked that the Minister for Finance be invited to the House to discuss public services. I will have no problem allocating time for this debate but it will not take place until early in the new year because of the budgetary constraints on the Minister.

Senator Keaveney called for a debate on animal welfare. We are endeavouring to have this debate take place and have been in contact with the Minister's office. When I hear further news, I will relay it to the House.

Senator Coghlan questioned the position regarding the coast guard stations at Valentia and Malin. It is proposed by the relevant Minister that there will be two centres. I understand the difficulties in Valentia and Malin concern broadband, the continuity of electricity supply and other matters. One station is to be in the east, in the Drogheda area, and the other location is to be agreed with the Minister. Since Senators asked me about the stations, I have been assured that no jobs will be lost. If Senator Coghlan wishes to discuss this during Private Members' time, he can table an appropriate motion. Perhaps he can pursue the matter on the Adjournment tomorrow evening.

Senators de Búrca and Kelly called for a debate on the portfolio of the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy Brennan. This is very timely at the start of the term of the new Seanad, bearing in mind the five-year or seven-year plan for the Department. The Minister has been very effective in every portfolio he has had so far and I look forward to his visit to the House. We will try to have the debate as early as possible.

Senators Norris and Hannigan called for a debate on Seanad reform. Senator Norris referred to his elitist panel. We can discuss this in the House along with all the other panels.