Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Kelly, Bradford, O'Reilly, Walsh, asked for a debate on the national pay talks and for a role for the Oireachtas in the talks so that Members' voices can be heard. I support this suggestion and I will invite the new Minister for Finance to come to the House at the earliest opportunity in the next four or five weeks to hear the views of Senators on the difficult challenge ahead. Staying competitive is the biggest challenge facing the economy, the Government and the country. Everyone must take responsibility for holding on to whatever jobs exist. We must work together in the interest of our families and of our country.

Senator O'Toole has much experience in the area of pay talks and he has been of great assistance to the Seanad over the past 20 years on the subject of pay talks. The Taoiseach will give his last address in the Oireachtas in Seanad Éireann. One of his great successes has been the national understandings, dating back to 1987, which have practically eliminated strikes. We are an example to the world and all parties in the Oireachtas can take great credit for our responsible actions when our backs were to the wall and when the country had very little going for it. The challenge now is possibly not quite as serious as in 1987 but the next three to four years will be serious for the economy and for our young people.

On the point raised about the sale of products to older people, I will bring this matter to the attention of the Minister. Many Senators expressed strong views on the new report on alcohol. My views on alcohol would be very well known to the House. I can assure Members that we will have an all-day debate on this subject at the earliest possible opportunity. Senators Kelly and O'Reilly asked for a debate on the challenges facing rural Ireland because of changing lifestyles. I have given a commitment to the House to hold such a debate. Senator Boyle informed the House that the gateway innovation funding, which is of crucial importance to the success of the hub towns in the national spatial strategy, will be announced in the next three to four weeks. I welcome that announcement by the Deputy Leader of the House and I look forward to a speedy implementation because the towns are depending on it. If funding is not provided to the national spatial strategy areas then the strategy will not happen; it is as simple as that.

Senators Twomey and Hanafin expressed strong views on stem cell research which I will pass on to the Minister. Both contributions were excellent and they noted there is no legislation prohibiting stem cell research or anything like that.

Senator Keaveney asked when the Student Support Bill will be before the House. The Bill is currently on Committee Stage in the Dáil. The Student Support Bill proposes to place all student support schemes on a statutory footing, to designate VECs as awarding authorities, to provide for a system of appeals and penalties for fraudulent applicants for grants and to repeal the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts 1968 and 1992. The Bill will be taken in the Seanad as soon as it is available.

Senator Donohoe asked for a debate on the high cost of the public service. When the OECD report is published we can allow time for such a debate with the new Minister for Finance and which would include discussion on the economy and the challenges facing the social partners.

In reply to the questions asked by Senator Callely, I will contact the Minister's office with his inquiry and I will reply to the Senator directly on those two matters. Senator Norris proposed an amendment to the Order of Business which was seconded by Senator Mullen. If the Senator would leave this matter until the next sitting of the House on next Wednesday, I hope to take it then if that is agreeable to the Senator.

Senators Bradford and O'Reilly asked about the rescheduling of the WTO debate. I am endeavouring to have the debate take place but I do not have a timeframe. I hope to have that information on Wednesday or Thursday of next week. Senator Daly outlined to the House the dangers to the health of children posed by hand-held mobile phones. I will allow time for a debate. Senator John Paul Phelan made a very worthwhile point about the position of chairman of the review group of pharmacies. I will allow time for a debate.

Senator Doherty raised the issue of the minimum wage for school secretaries and caretaking staff. This is a serious allegation and state of affairs and I will allow time for it to be discussed. I was not aware of this situation and I thank the Senator for raising the matter.

The Taoiseach will make a statement in the House today on the Lisbon reform treaty and the Good Friday Agreement. I afforded the Taoiseach this opportunity to speak about his part in the Good Friday Agreement and to acknowledge what has happened. There will be a debate or expression of views on the Good Friday Agreement for as much time as Senators require at another time. If any Senator wishes to propose persons to be invited to address the House, I ask that the request be made in writing to the Cathaoirleach who will discuss it at the next meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.