Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Glynn again called for a debate on organ donation. I already made a commitment on this and am endeavouring to arrange it. Senator Buttimer spoke on the Minister for Health and Children and the inspections were mentioned by Senators Prendergast and Corrigan. We must have the Minister for Health and Children in the House on this and I will allow time after the Christmas recess. Senators Buttimer and Keaveney spoke on the Minister for Education and Science and I have already covered that. Senator Keaveney was at pains to point out the green agenda and called for regional development of the North-South, Derry-Dublin train service. This is a worthwhile call and we will discuss it after the Christmas recess. Senator Norris inquired about the Charities Bill. This is on Committee Stage in the Dáil and as soon as I am ordered to take it, I will have no difficulty doing so. It will be after the Christmas recess.

Senators Regan and Callely called for a debate on the national debt and I have no difficulty allowing time for this. The Tallaght strategy was proposed by the then Taoiseach, Mr. Charles Haughey, and supported by the then leader of Fine Gael, Mr. Alan Dukes. Senator Regan meant well when he mentioned the Tallaght strategy, but from 1983-87 national debt doubled and emigration increased by 1,000 per week. It is a bad time to use as an example.