Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

One of the Senators was acting leader of the party, and in my notes I referred to acting leader. I apologise.

Senator Hanafin referred to the serious issue of food and energy supplies. I have no difficulty in having time left aside for that debate.

Senator Norris referred to No. 19, motion 3, of the non-Government motions on the Order Paper. The Deputy Leader of the House has outlined the position. Private Members' business for Senator Norris's group comes up the week after next, so if we cannot get something discussed or if he wants to wait until the meeting takes place in June, he might discuss with his leader, Senator O'Toole, about dealing with the issue during his group's Private Members' business.

Senator De Búrca highlighted a serious issue to the House on data protection and the Data Protection Commissioner's report. I intend to highlight that to the best of my ability by allowing all Senators, perhaps in a special half-day debate, to give their views on this serious matter. It is unacceptable if there are no sanctions in place. We will want to see what the new Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform will do about what we heard in the national media this morning. I fully support Senator De Búrca's call for the subject to be debated.

Senators Buttimer and Boyle expressed strong views about the aviation industry. We will invite the Minister for Transport to discuss this at the earliest possible opportunity.

Senator Buttimer also wanted an urgent debate on the role of RTÉ, particularly before the Government considers a further increase in the licence fee. I have no problem in time being left aside for that debate.

Senator Mark Daly once again highlighted the challenges facing the Valentia and Malin Head Coast Guard services. Practically everyone in the House is in full support of the retention of those two services in their current locations. If the Minister wishes to augment the services perhaps that should be looked at as well. Certainly, I have no difficulty in making time available for a debate. I am aware Senator Daly is in contact with the personnel involved and is well briefed. He has shown in the House his total commitment to Valentia and I support him in his call for a debate.

Senator John Paul Phelan paid tribute to former Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy Séamus Brennan. I was pleased with RTE's coverage last night of the handing over from one Taoiseach to another and the change of Government. I compliment "Oireachtas Report" for allowing the Seanad to express its congratulations to the former Minister, Deputy Séamus Brennan, who is still a Member of the Oireachtas and a Dáil Deputy. I look forward to him playing a further role in the future. I pay tribute to him for the immense contribution he has made as a Member of the Oireachtas and as a member of many previous Governments.

Senator Quinn called for the fire service to have a national fire authority. That is the least we could expect. There should be an authority to ensure the safety of citizens in respect of the tremendous service being provided by the fire services of Ireland. Following the recent sad and unfortunate experience in Wicklow, it is of the utmost importance that the authority be appointed. I support Senator Quinn's call for a debate in this regard.

Senator Callely called for a debate on services in the Central Mental Hospital. I will come back to the Senator on his queries in this regard.

Senator Prendergast raised the issue of funding for the new Arts Council. A new Minister is in charge of this area, a next-door neighbour of the Senator. I am sure the Senator will be able to use her friendship with him in that regard. The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy Martin Cullen, has been tremendous in all his portfolios to date. I wish him well and look forward to him coming into the House to discuss all of his portfolio whether arts, sport or tourism. He is one person who will get a grasp of his brief very quickly. He has a huge capacity to do so. We know he is on the "Yes" side for the Lisbon treaty following his magnificent performance on "Questions and Answers" on RTE last Monday week.

Senator Butler called for a review of the inclusion of tobacco and alcohol in the inflation basket. In relation to the licensing of night clubs, he highlighted the fact that 5,200 people were admitted to our hospitals suffering from alcohol related diseases. I will convey his strong views to the Minister. When we have a debate in the House on finance with the Minister for Finance present, that would be an opportunity to raise this issue.