Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

——called for an urgent debate on the public service. I have no difficulty with allocating time for that. There is much merit in having such a debate at the earliest opportunity and I will facilitate the Senators' request.

Senator Hannigan and Senator Ó Domhnaill expressed their views on the Lisbon treaty, with Senator Hannigan correctly pointing out that the referendum will be held on this day four weeks. They also spoke about the tactics being used by various parties. There will be no difficulty in allocating further time for a discussion on the treaty so the public can be informed to the best of the Senators' abilities.

Senator Hannigan, Senator Boyle and Senator Quinn sought a debate on energy costs. This is a serious challenge facing the nation at present, and it is not of our making. All sides of the House realise this because energy costs were a major challenge when the Opposition was in Government many years ago. We can only learn from their experience. It has been painful, to say the least. We must focus on alternative energy.

When we have the debate on energy and energy costs, we should also examine the alternatives. I understand an advanced technological plan is being put together by the Mulcahy group at present. If that plan is feasible, it will solve Ireland's energy problems for hundreds of years. Being an island nation is a huge advantage with regard to wave power and if the plan comes to fruition, it will be a leader not only in Europe but the world in confronting the ills of the energy challenge. The energy challenge is serious because when energy costs increase, food costs also increase and the poorer sections of our community are badly affected. Nobody wants that to happen.

Senator Coghlan asked me to clarify who is the Minister for arts. It is Deputy Martin Mansergh, a distinguished former Member of Seanad Éireann, who was in the House last night. We are very proud of his new appointment. As a Deputy for the Tipperary South constituency he will look after the Munster area. Why should he not?