Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

On the discussion of the Lisbon treaty, the format I have already discussed with the various leaders of the groups in the House is that the visiting dignitary will address the House first. The leaders of the various groups will make a contribution for ten minutes and we have agreement on this side of the House that spokespersons will then ask a question of the visiting guest at the end, and the guest will conclude with a five-minute contribution on the questions asked. These arrangements were agreed among the leaders but I must obtain agreement in respect of them from the Cathaoirleach and the Clerk of the Seanad. It is hoped the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Roche, will come before the House in the afternoon of the same day for a three-hour debate. With the agreement of the House — this matter must still be discussed with the Cathaoirleach — it is hoped that a day will be set aside every second week to debate European matters.

As Senator O'Reilly pointed out, members of the farming community are extremely concerned with regard to the Mandelson proposals. Some of those present are aware — I refer, in particular, to Senator Bradford in this regard — that we have been engaged in a struggle in respect of these proposals since the WTO negotiations three years ago. Senator Leyden made a number of valid points in respect of this matter. I intend, in conjunction with the leaders of the other groups and with the agreement of the Cathaoirleach, to put forward proposals to CPP to see how we might keep Seanad Éireann centre stage in the context of informing people about what they are voting for and the pluses and minuses involved. We should, with the agreement of the Cathaoirleach, as Chairman of CPP, invite Members of the European Parliament who have views for and against the treaty to come before the House to debate this matter and answer questions.

Many Senators have indicated their grave concerns with regard to the HSE. Deputy Moloney, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, has the ideal opportunity to follow the example of the former Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Small Business. The Deputy's committee should take on the challenge, carry out an in-depth analysis over the next four years and — in view of the fact that €15 billion has been provided — assist in the creation of a state-of-the-art, patient-led health service. Everyone would love so see the emergence of such a service.

I call on Deputy Moloney to consider my proposal that legislators in the Dáil and Seanad provide him with assistance in respect of this matter. For example, we could invite those on all sides to come before the joint committee to discuss and tease out matters. People could, before the joint committee and live on television, make their allegations or statements and representatives on the others side could answer questions, etc. That is how the former Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment made progress with its inquiry into the insurance industry, which led to a reduction of between 30% to 40% in the cost of premiums and made our roads safer. It was a win-win situation. Something similar could be achieved by the Joint Committee on Health and Children. I will make time available in the House to debate, and, where possible, assist in, improvements to the service provided to patients. As already stated, everyone wants to see the emergence of a patient-led health service.

Senators Fitzgerald and Coghlan referred to the need to discuss certain urgent matters. Since the Seanad commenced its business last September, a practice has been established whereby Members can engage in question-and-answer sessions with Ministers and Ministers of State. This is a wonderful step forward and I thank all Senators, the leaders, the Whips and everyone else involved for the understanding they have shown in the context of trying to establish such a practice. We could never put such a system in place heretofore but, under the stewardship of the Cathaoirleach, we have now done so.

We are taking a step-by-step approach to this matter. As Leader, I have an open mind with regard to how the business of the House will be conducted in the future. Any measure that will place Seanad Éireann centre stage will have my full support. I have views on this issue and I have discussed with one or two colleagues how certain matters, some of which were brought to my attention by Senators this morning, might be addressed. I am looking forward to the deliberations of the administrative committee and the commission on the possibility of live broadcasting of the affairs of this House. I would like to see the Order of Business broadcast in a regulated way, with each Member having one minute to make his or her point to the Cathaoirleach. There is too much repetitiveness.