Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I know we have the full support of the House on this point. I certainly will arrange for the Minister to attend the House for that debate following the Easter recess.

Senator Boyle sought an urgent debate on marine research whose economic value is very important. I will endeavour to have that debate during the first or second week after the Easter recess.

Senators Prendergast and Callely called for a debate on maternity services. Senator Prendergast pointed out that there were almost 27,000 births in the eastern region last year. She expressed concern about the ambulance services in rural areas. I have no difficulty in arranging a debate on these matters, with the Minister present.

Senator Norris expressed shock and horror at the recent slaughter of students in Jerusalem by a lone gunman. I join the Senator in conveying our condolences to the bereaved families. Such attacks do not enhance any cause and I support the Senator's call in this regard.

Senator Callely called for a debate on No. 18, motion 31, which is in his name and that of Senator Norris. I will consult the Chief Whip on this matter following the Order of Business to ascertain the Government's position and to see how we can progress it.

Senator Buttimer called for a debate on health, especially the report on neurological services. I will endeavour to get word from the Department on this matter.

Senator de Búrca expressed strong views on the Dublin Port tunnel and the unfortunate delays there yesterday. As we all know, however, health and safety requirements must be maintained, particularly concerning the emergency services which were summoned there yesterday to deal with an unforeseen incident. This delayed traffic for quite a long time. I will request the Minister to attend the House after the Easter recess to address his transport proposals.

Senator de Búrca also called for the Minister for Health and Children to attend the House for a debate on cancer screening and cancer services generally. I have already given a commitment for a lengthy debate on all health issues, with the Minister in attendance.

Senator Donohoe sought an update on the proposed legislation concerning landlords and tenants. I have no difficulty in arranging such a debate. The Senator also referred to the transformation of the Dublin docklands area. It is unbelievable to see the millions of euro that have been invested in that district, which includes Sir John Rogerson's Quay. It certainly reflects 21st century Ireland and is very uplifting. I will arrange for the Minister to attend the House to provide a progress report on all these activities in the docklands area.

Senators Keaveney and Quinn sought a debate on Northern Ireland, including the progress being made in cross-Border activities. As I have said, the Taoiseach will be in this House on or near the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. On that occasion we will be able to highlight our views and debate all the great cross-Border activity that is happening. I, with Senator Keaveney, have the honour of being a member of the Good Friday Agreement implementation body as well as being a member of the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body. I am impressed by the goodwill and can-do attitude of all members of the cross-Border bodies, from the North and the South, in making such progress possible.

I agree with Senator McFadden's call for a debate on agriculture and I have assured the House we will have an all-day debate on this topic after the Easter recess. I have already spoken to the Minister about it and she is anxious to attend the House. It is only a matter of fixing a date in her diary for such a debate.

Senator Doherty referred to the undocumented Irish in America. A delegation of Deputies and Senators visited Washington last week to represent the very views expressed by Senator Doherty. I am not aware of any visit to America by the Taoiseach or Minister for Foreign Affairs during the past few years when this issue was not put centre stage.