John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I echo the sentiments expressed by Senator Frances Fitzgerald on the letter from Deputy John Cregan. The RTE Authority was before the Joint Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources last week, which Deputy John Cregan chairs. As far as I know, Deputy John Cregan did not then raise any issue about the level of reporting in the tribunal, so it is rather strange to find that he has signed a letter criticising the tribunal following the revelations about the £30,000 that was used to buy a particular property.

I join Senator Paul Bradford in his call for a debate on genetically modified food and feedstuffs. There was a change to the schedule last Thursday, but we should have a discussion on this issue as early as possible.

The Minister for Education and Science should come to the House to discuss the issue of a university for the south-eastern region. Senator Doherty raised the issue of regional development. Under every heading I have been able to investigate, the south-east emerges as the worst performing region. It has the highest level of unemployment, lowest level of participation in third level education and lowest average household income. A serious proposal to establish a university in the region was examined in the Port report, which has been published and is mainly positive. The Minister for Education and Science should come before the House to outline her views on the issue.

Last weekend was another appalling period on our roads. In recent weeks, Senators asked that the Minister resolve the problem regarding speed cameras. I call for a debate on road safety, of which the House has had many over the years, as soon as possible.

I support Senator Doherty's proposal. When is it proposed that the Taoiseach will come before the House? I have been a Senator for only six years during which time the Taoiseach has always discussed Northern Ireland and other issues in the Chamber at the start of the autumn session. From my observations of the workings of the Oireachtas, it appears to be highly irregular that he has not come to the House for a discussion of these issues for some time.