Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I outlined earlier what is being monitored in the House. The Senator should take that into account.

Senators Norris, MacSharry and Harris expressed serious concern about the image of Seanad Éireann. Senators on all sides of the House can agree that the Seanad does not get fair coverage of the excellent work it does, the excellent contributions made and the many good proposals that come before the House to amend and enhance legislation. I would like to think we could reach a consensus on that and meet with a view to determining how that can be changed. I wish the new Head of Communications, Mark Mulqueen, well. He comes from an eminent family in terms of media coverage and fairness in the media. I look forward to working with him and hope we can enhance the coverage of the proceedings of Seanad Éireann and return it to its rightful position in that regard.

Senator O'Donovan called for a debate on fisheries and asked that the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, would come to the House. I have no difficulty in having that debate take place.

Senator Norris raised the Dr. Foy case. I will pass on the Senator's strong views, and those of Senator Mullen, to the Minister on the conclusion of the Order of Business.

Senator Ó Murchú made his views known on abuses in the area of gift tokens. I will allow a debate take place on that.

Senators Buttimer and Cummins raised the serious findings regarding drugs in our prisons. The information that has come to our attention is appalling and I will ensure the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is present in the Chamber to discuss that serious problem.

Senator Burke called for a debate on local authority funding with the Minister for Transport.