Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

It is not the appropriate day but Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Alex White, Boyle, O'Malley, Leyden, Ormonde, Ó Murchú, Healy-Eames, Feeney, Keaveney and Corrigan expressed their views about the Taoiseach's retirement. I would like to join them in acknowledging his achievements. We all were surprised and those of us who have worked closely with him for a long time are aware of his achievements. Ireland is a better and more prosperous place and a safer island with almost 1 million more people at work. The Taoiseach has made an immeasurable contribution to the lifestyle of every family on the island of Ireland. There will be an appropriate time when all Members can acknowledge and recognise his achievements.

It was suggested the Taoiseach should be invited to the House before 6 May and it is my intention to make this possible, especially in the context of upcoming debates on the Lisbon treaty and the tenth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. This week marks the historic anniversary of the achievements of those who participated in the negotiations and made the Agreement happen. The Taoiseach represented our part of the island with great distinction, determination and ability and he was successful in bringing the Agreement to fruition. The lives of all children aged 13 or 14 have changed immeasurably and, for example, many 20 year olds do not remember any Taoiseach other than Deputy Bertie Ahern. Many constituents are aware of the immeasurable contribution he has made and I will endeavour to have him present in the House to update the House on the future of the Agreement and the Lisbon treaty and to reflect on the achievements of the past. We can let our views be known to him on these issues.

I thank the Cathaoirleach, Senators and the staff of the House for making the historic visit of the President of the European Parliament to the House possible. It was an uplifting experience. He made a brilliant contribution which was one of the best I have ever heard in the House. I thank Senators, particularly those who had to travel more than 200 miles, for being present early this morning.

Senators Regan, Hannigan, O'Toole and Fitzgerald called for an urgent update and debate on crime and the difficulties being experienced, in particular, in the Limerick region. Deputy Boyle referred to the Limerick regeneration plan and we will give all the support we can to everyone concerned, including the Minister and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. They are being confronted with issues on an hourly basis throughout the country. I have no difficulty scheduling a debate on this and I will make the request of the Minister later.

Senators O'Toole, Boyle, Fitzgerald, O'Malley, Buttimer, Ross, John Paul Phelan, Doherty, Norris and Bacik called for an urgent debate with the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the upcoming Olympic Games in China and the difficulties being experienced in Zimbabwe. I have contacted the Minister to finalise a date for a debate and he has agreed to attend the House. It is only a matter of finding a date in his diary and I will try to arrange this as soon as possible.

Many Senators sought a debate on education and I have no difficulty inviting the Minister for Education and Science to the House to update us on her achievements over the past ten years and to outline what will happen over the next five to ten years.

Senators Boyle and Buttimer called for an urgent debate on the national aviation strategy and, in particular, Cork Airport. I have no difficulty inviting the Minister for Transport to the House for a debate.

Senators John Paul Phelan, Ross, MacSharry and O'Reilly requested a debate on the challenges facing the economy, especially in the context of the upcoming social partnership talks. It was reassuring to hear the comments of the President of the European Parliament on corporation tax. The Irish Times carried an article today on Ireland's veto in this regard. I was pleased we were able to get clarification on this at first hand.

With regard to Senator O'Reilly's point on consultants, the use of consultants began when his former Leader was Taoiseach in the 1980s. Senator O'Malley called for a debate on prisons and I have no problem with allocating time for this.

Senator Kelly called for a debate on the report on Rebecca O'Malley. I assure the House I have no difficulty with this and will try to have it prioritised so it will happen as soon as possible.

Senator Daly called for an urgent debate on the report on mobile telephones and masts. He outlined to the House his very sad experience with regard to the fears of family members. The fear about this is enormous in certain areas. I have no difficulty in allocating time for a debate. Senator MacSharry called for a debate on tribunals. I will endeavour to have this take place.

Senators MacSharry and Burke called for an urgent debate on the Health Service Executive. In particular, Senator MacSharry outlined to the House that a major case can be made for north of the line from Dublin to Galway. I will have this debated in the House during the coming weeks.

Senators Ellis and Coghlan are concerned about the electoral boundary commission and want an urgent update. Naturally enough, this is of serious concern, especially where county boundaries have been breached. I have a vested interest, along with Senator Ellis in particular. I can safely state that if the county boundaries in our areas were not breached we would be Members of Dáil Éireann today.