Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, Alex White, Kelly, Ó Murchú, Boyle and Prendergast called for various matters which Senator Fitzgerald requested.

I have said very little on the tribunals as Leader because there is no point in our interfering in a job allocated to professionals. I will say no more, but that I fully respect the position of the tribunals and the professionals appointed. The Taoiseach led the setting up of these tribunals to put in place all the corrective measures regarded as necessary by politicians of all or most political parties. I am not getting involved but the independence of the tribunals should be sacrosanct as far as we are concerned.

We should all get back to the issues that many Senators bring to light here every day on the Order of Business. It is a pleasure to be able to assist, to have Ministers come to the House to see what can be done, to listen to the views of the experienced Senators here, and those who have experience in other walks of life, to assist the Department, the Government and the Minister in a given portfolio.

I agree with the wishes expressed by Senators about the delays in the unfortunate inquiries to eliminate the suffering of families concerned. We will contact the various Departments after the Order of Business, especially in the case of Rebecca O'Malley. I fully agree with the sentiments that have been expressed and will do all I can to see if we can bring the concerns of Senators to the Minister's attention, and examine how I can progress any of the suggestions made in this area.

I join with Senators in congratulating Senator Callely in bringing together last night the splendid groups who participated in the autism debate. It is a great idea and a wonderful suggestion to bring together the families and policymakers in any way to assist in any challenge facing any group. I again congratulate the Senator on his great work in bringing everyone together last night.

Senators O'Toole, Coghlan and Norris expressed concerns in respect of motions that come back from committee without having been debated in the House and I will endeavour to have available an up-to-date memorandum on such motions. This is a worthwhile suggestion and I will do everything I can to make it happen. Senator Coghlan again offered his congratulations to the hard-working Deputy from Kerry South, Jackie Healy-Rae. While this was never in doubt, Deputy John O'Donoghue and other colleagues, who have been carrying the flag down there and doing their best for the people of south Kerry, all work just as hard and I wish them all well.

Senator O'Toole and other Senators called for a debate on the morning-after pill and to make it more freely accessible and available. Senator Mary White has been a champion of matters pertaining to children and I can facilitate a debate on this issue in the House. I heard an interview on radio this morning in respect of changing society and all the areas in which the present position must be reviewed. I have no difficulty in setting aside time for such a topic.

Senators Alex White and Ormonde called for an urgent debate on alcohol abuse and referred to the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher. I note there are now 4,000 off-licences in Ireland. This is because public houses are closing down and their licences are being put up for sale. Naturally, the unfortunate people who are obliged to close down their establishments, which had been kept going for generations, are selling them on to the off-licences.

First, if anyone is serious about alcohol, the Cathaoirleach and I, as well as Senators Ó Murchú and Callanan, have been pioneers for life and have never participated in the pleasure of the alcohol dream. The second point of advice to young people is that the gift of sport as fitness is the greatest gift that one can give one's body. I look around and see many colleagues who could take up the proposal on walking made yesterday by Senator O'Donovan and stay out of such establishments as an alternative. A clear head in the morning is a huge asset to all professions.