Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I fully support the sentiments behind the Bill the Senator has published. Many of us on this side of the House would be only too willing to support it but I suggest the Senator should raise the matter in Fine Gael Private Members' time. This would mean the Government would take the matter to Cabinet and then make a decision on it. If the Bill were taken in Private Members' time it would speed up matters so it could be dispensed with before the Easter recess. The Whips and party leaders can discuss this after the Order of Business to see how we can progress Senator Cummins's proposal.

I will also make inquiries about the nursing home support Bill and will revert to Senators about it. I understand a serious challenge lies ahead as to what corrective measures must be taken in this area.

Senators Butler and McCarthy called for a debate on the EU and the Lisbon treaty. I am endeavouring to arrange such a debate. Senator Butler correctly pointed out that Ireland's contribution to the EU, at €914 million, is the sixth largest in the Community. It is a sizeable amount of funding and will help less well off countries that are where we were 15 years ago.

I will revert to Senator Norris who called for a debate on the case of Michael Semple. I would have no difficulty in arranging for such a debate at the earliest opportunity.

Senators Kelly and Callely want a debate on health and children, especially concerning ambulance services and the availability of professional medics. I have no difficulty in leaving time aside for such a debate. The Minister for Health and Children will attend the House next Tuesday from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m to deal with the pharmacy issue. I will try to secure another date in the Minister's diary, possibly after Easter, for the debate that has been sought.

Senator Buttimer called for the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to attend the House for a debate on family values and integration policy, and I have no difficulty with such a debate taking place.

Senator Callely called for a debate on homelessness and I gave a commitment on this in the House yesterday. I would like to see such a debate taking place before Easter if possible, with the support of the party leaders.

As regards Senator Mary White's intervention, Standing Orders are reviewed from time to time and can be amended by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. All good suggestions can be considered by that committee. I welcome this opportunity to extend an invitation to any Member of the House to write to the Cathaoirleach, who is the chairman of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, regarding any suggestions they may have. I assure Senators I will do anything possible to enhance the proceedings of the House. I have an open mind on making the House more relevant and more attractive from the point of view of media attention which gets our message across to the public.

I congratulate all those who participated in last night's Private Members' debate. It was one of the finest expressions of free speech I have heard in my 26 years in the House.

Senator Ryan called for a debate on State services. Like many other Members, the Senator has much experience in the public sector. I will take on board his viewpoints, including the sentiments of frustration he has brought to the attention of the House. I will arrange for the Minister to attend the House and I give Members a commitment that this matter will be treated as a priority immediately after the Easter recess.

Senator Leyden called for a debate on accountability in the public health services, particularly concerning Roscommon hospital. Public representatives have fought for a long time to retain the services provided by that hospital. Senator Leyden has been a champion in that respect along with other colleagues in various political parties. It is a good suggestion to have a debate on health service accountability with the Minister present so that Senators can highlight issues and ask for an update on health matters in their own areas and what is happening with the Health Service Executive generally.

I am endeavouring to have a question and answer session following debates and featuring Ministers and spokespersons. It is working successfully and I thank all party leaders and spokespersons for their co-operation. The system is enhancing the affairs of Seanad Éireann and we appreciate the opportunity that Ministers and Ministers of State afford the House in this respect. I hope we will be able to take that even further in the next three or four years.

Senator Donohoe called for a debate on the Garda's community response programme and joint policing with communities. I have no difficulty in allowing time for such a discussion.