Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole and Coghlan called for an urgent debate on public private partnerships and what the alternatives might be. I have no difficulty with this taking place as tonight's Private Members' motion is on Transport 21. I will endeavour to have this take place at the earliest time, and certainly before the summer recess. Senators Fitzgerald, Norris and Coghlan called for the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism to update the House on the progress with the Abbey Theatre. There was an important request to have a landmark site identified so that when people from all 32 counties of Ireland visit the Abbey Theatre they will know where they are going and will not depend on people to direct them. While I do not want to get involved in commercial affairs, Senator Norris's suggested site is ideal. Everybody knows where O'Connell Street is. It would enhance the north end of O'Connell Street which deserves the major investment at which the Celtic tiger seems to have only glanced. I support the Senators in this regard and this debate will take place in the next two weeks.

Senator Fitzgerald called for a debate on ageism. The value of experience cannot be bought. For people in very important positions who have achieved great success in their lifetimes to be told at the age of 65 they are no longer wanted and have to retire when they are excelling and at the peak of their careers defies logic. It is no longer acceptable.