Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

If the new young Opposition leaders are factual and constructive they will be pushing an open door with me.

Many Senators called for a debate on housing which would be worthwhile. There will be a major housing initiative in February and we will invite the Minister of State with responsibility for this area, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, to the House.

I thank Senator McFadden for raising the issue of the primary care unit in Athlone. I will intervene and do whatever I can about it when I talk to the Minister for Health and Children this afternoon.

There should be an international centre for literature in Dublin. There would be no better place than the north city centre where Senator Norris has spent his life fundraising for the Joyce centre, on which he is to be complimented. I would like to see a centre in the north inner city, on North Great Georges Street or more particularly on Parnell Square if possible, which people can access freely from O'Connell Street. Dublin City Council is involved in a major initiative in the Parnell Square area which I applaud and I look forward to the announcement of it soon.

Senators Cannon and Glynn expressed strong views on the National Roads Authority. It is essential for drivers to be able to avail of rest areas on dual carriageways and motorways. I will pass the Senators' views to the Minister for Transport.

Senators Bacik, Harris and Ó Murchú expressed their sentiments about prison reform and substance abuse. Now I know why the song "Come Down from the Mountain Katie Daly" was so popular in the 1960s since hearing Senator Harris speak of the various parts of Ireland in which mountain dew was brewed. I can organise time for a debate on this subject.

Senators Keaveney and Glynn referred to domestic violence, particularly in long-stay institutions, an area in which Senator Glynn has much experience. I will arrange a debate on this matter.

Senator O'Reilly wanted clarification on old age pensions and I am pleased to inform the House that his point was covered in yesterday's budget when an increase of €27 in the qualifying adult rate, bringing the level to €200 per week, or 94% of the target, has now been reached. This measure will benefit all qualified adults aged 66 and over and will be of special benefit to women who do not have an entitlement to the contributory pension because of home responsibilities, as the Senator has pointed out to the House on many occasions. The Minister went on to add that, when combined with the increase in the personal pension rate, the impact of this measure will be that over 42,000 pensioner couples will see their household incomes increase by up to €41 per week, or almost by 11%. The Senator also referred to women under 66 years of age, and I will endeavour to use my influence in that regard, but the news is good regarding part of the Senator's inquiry, on which he has strong views.

Senator Leyden called for an urgent debate on telecommunications, the reduction in services from 29 February 2008 and the roll-out of broadband. I have already committed to a debate in this regard early in the new year.

Senator Norris referred to the report on Tallaght Hospital and I suggest this debate could be held before Christmas if the Independent benches take the matter during Private Members' business next Wednesday. Senators Norris and Hanafin also referred to genetically modified food and I can pass their strong views on to the Minister in that regard.

Senator Coghlan referred to housing with regard to yesterday's budget. The figure given for growth in this sector last year of 4.7% was correct. Projected growth for next year is conservatively estimated at 3%.