Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

In respect of the matter raised by Senator Boyle, we can set aside time for the debate for which he called. He also raised the issue of the policy document on the islands and called for the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to come to the House for a debate. I have no difficulty in setting aside time for this.

Senators Regan and Callely called for a debate on the budget. I thought that very many colleagues would mention the budget last week and congratulate the Minister on allocating another €1.7 billion for capital funding. I have no difficulty with having the Minister come to the House. I am sure he will be pleased to come here and update the House on his new budget, which is the first in the new Dáil and Seanad session. If it is as good as what has happened over the past ten years, let it happen again.

In respect of Senators' concerns about the budget deficit, it is fair to say that we are the second strongest economy in Europe. We have left aside substantial amounts of money in each budget for pension funds. As Members are aware, 50% of the population was under the age of 28 ten years ago. Now 50% are under the age of 34 and this is increasing. Hopefully, everyone will live a little longer, therefore, we must leave funds aside for pensions.

All fair-minded people would have to say that it was an honest and genuine effort by a caring Minister who brought in a reasonably good budget last week, one with which many people were satisfied under current constraints due to the price of oil and the uncertainty in the US and other destinations. We can look forward to a debate on the budget with confidence.

Senator Donohoe called for a debate on child care, for which I can set aside time. Senator Corrigan called for a debate on the report yesterday on the school and residential centre run by the Brothers of Charity. I can also set aside time for this.

Senator Doherty called for a debate on what can be done in respect of national resources and their benefits. We are always learning from this. I have no difficulty setting aside time for this. He also called for a Question Time. As Senators know from the Order of Business today, where Ministers are agreeable, the last ten minutes——