Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Twomey expressed serious concern regarding the applied behavioural analysis issue. The Minister for Education and Science will be in the House at 11.30 this morning until 2 p.m. He called also for a full debate on education. We can discuss that at the leaders' meeting and perhaps next Tuesday could be considered.

Senator Norris referred to the 50th anniversary of the Irish Georgian Society. On behalf of the House, I offer our congratulations to the society for its commitment and a job well done in protecting our heritage. I agree with the Senator's sentiments, especially regarding Desmond Guinness and his family and all those whom the Senator correctly pointed out have done excellent work. The least we can do is acknowledge that work and show our appreciation for what they have done in poor times in the past 50 years. One only has to consider how the economy was performing and how expensive it is to restore Georgian buildings to their former splendour and glory.

Senator Hannigan and other Senators called for a debate on East Timor. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has agreed to come to the House for a wide-ranging debate on his foreign affairs portfolio. We wish him well on the remainder of his trip to East Timor.

On the issue raised by Senator Alex White, that Bill is being published tomorrow. It is a Seanad Bill, the Second Stage of which will be taken in the House next Thursday. It is being initiated in the Seanad. I thank Senator White for his understanding in that matter.

Senator White called also for a debate on the future of child care and the need for a new vision in terms of the substantial funding being spent on child care. There have been considerable improvements in the past four budgets in the funding for child care and a debate as soon as possible on the funding being spent on it would be worthwhile.

Senators Boyle and Bradford expressed views on the waste management policy and asked that the Minister, Deputy Gormley, would come to the House. I am pleased to be able to arrange for that to happen.

Senator Bradford expressed serious concern regarding the World Trade Organisation talks. I had the pleasure of attending the WTO talks two years ago and I agree with him on the threat to the Irish beef industry and the route Commissioner Mandelson appears to be taking. An urgent debate should take place in the House. I compliment the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Mary Coughlan, on her steadfast refusal even to contemplate some of the proposals which pose dangers to our beef industry. She has not taken "No" for an answer in the past two to three years.

Senator Leyden called for the air traffic controllers to desist from taking strike action and said that as this was an essential service, the Army should be trained to undertake it. I understand certain personnel in the Army are trained in this area. It is an essential service, like the ESB, and is an area the Minister should examine. We should have a debate at the earliest possible time.

Senator Donohoe called for a debate on information on citizens. I understand an EU directive will be forthcoming on that area. We will try to provide time at the earliest possible opportunity but the Senator might discuss the issue with his leader with a view to using Private Members' time. It is an issue he could prioritise and assist the Leader on also, if that is possible, particularly in regard to security issues.

Senator Donohoe called also for a debate on arts policy and the changing trends in the public domain in terms of the difficulty of obtaining new funds and assisting voluntary organisation, especially those who have kept arts alive in our country over many generations. I will pass on the Senator's views and will consider if time can be set aside at some future date to review that area.

Senator O'Sullivan made very informed comments on the Irish racing industry——