Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Alex White, Coghlan, Donohoe and Boyle spoke about the train drivers' strike and the difficulties being experienced by travellers in Cork and Kerry in particular. I wish all parties well in their negotiations, which lasted until 2 a.m. today and will resume at 12 noon, and I hope the difficulties can be resolved. At the end of the day, these issues have to be negotiated. This type of unexpected strike is unfair to the customer who ultimately determines whether a service is a success. Much good work has been done in Iarnród Éireann to provide this top class service so I look forward to a resolution.

Senators Fitzgerald, Boyle, Donohoe, Buttimer, Hanafin and Reilly called for a debate on the economy. Senator Fitzgerald referred in particular to the report produced by Davy stockbrokers on the difficulties being experienced due the high cost of energy. The difference in the price of groceries such as tea, butter, bread and sugar are causing difficulties, particularly for those who are on the margins.

I attended the start of this morning's meeting of the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment which heard a presentation by the National Consumer Agency on its pilot survey of a basket of goods bought from the main retailers. The survey revealed minimal price differences among the multiples but significant price differences between larger outfits and symbol group stores and within symbol groups themselves. The survey found minuscule differences among the branded goods sold by multiples. It compared own brand products from Aldi and Lidl against the mid-range own brand products of major multiples and found significant price differences between discount stores and the multiples. However, independent butchers and fruit and vegetable shops fared well against the multiples. The symbol group retailers were more expensive, as was expected given their role as convenience stores. There were, however, considerable price differences among the symbol groups. I am sure the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment will make a copy of that report available to any Senator who requests it.

I have no difficulty with allowing time for a wide-ranging debate on the economy. However, the new Minister for Finance has an extensive brief, so I want to allow him the time to get a handle on his portfolio. It is a considerable change to come from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to the Department of Finance. I hope to arrange this debate before the summer recess, however.

I look forward to the participation of Senators from all sides of the House in the debate on the Lisbon treaty over this weekend. Let the facts speak for themselves. I will endeavour to have the reports requested by Senator Leyden brought before Senators for their consideration by next week. Senator Leyden correctly noted that time will have to be allocated by next week because it will be too late after that.

Senators O'Toole, Corrigan and Glynn raised their concerns about mental health, the Thornton site and the level of investment needed for this area. I listened attentively to those who have expertise in this field and I look forward to welcoming the new Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children with responsibility for equality and disability, Deputy John Moloney, to the House. The Minister of State has 20 years of experience as a member of the former Midlands Health Board and is totally committed to doing what he can to alleviate the plight of those who are unfortunate enough to be affected by mental health problems. I have no difficulty in arranging time for a debate on this issue.

Senator Healy Eames and others highlighted the pressures faced by boards of management, students, teachers and everyone else involved in running schools. I have no difficulty in arranging time for this matter but the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, has only been in his new position for two weeks. I will endeavour to have him attend the House at the earliest opportunity to discuss the educational issues raised this morning.

Senators Fitzgerald, Alex White and Boyle called for a debate on the 2008 Amnesty International report and requested the attendance of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I will endeavour to arrange for the Minister to come before the House at the earliest opportunity.

Senator Quinn referred to the call made by President Sarkozy of France. I will see what can be done in respect of the Senator's request and I will communicate further with him on the matter, either later today or early tomorrow morning.

Senator Quinn also referred to the forthcoming intoxicating liquor Bill. I assure Members that this legislation will not be rushed through the House and that the time required for debating it will be allocated. It is fair to say that some of the legislation that has come before both Houses has not always been the best. I fully agree with the sentiments expressed by the Senator. If the Bill is initiated in the House, we will devote to it the fullest amount of time possible in order that amendments can be prepared and not rushed. I will allow a full week between Second Stage and Committee Stage in order that amendments may be tabled and a further week before Report Stage in order that further amendments can be put forward.

The leaders of the various groups have been very accommodating with regard to the way the House deals with legislation and I thank them for that. The Upper House did not obtain its name on foot of a one-line cliché put forward by the media. It has worked hard to develop its reputation over many years. We will continue the good work of our predecessors by maintaining the reputation the House has built in the context of considering legislation on a line-by-line basis.

Senator Callely requested an update on Burma. I will contact the Minister in respect of this matter and communicate further with the Senator on it.

The Senator also referred to various issues relating to long-term care and older people. We owe so much to the generation that helped to put us in the position we currently occupy. The Senator might take up this point with the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, who will be present in the House for Private Members' business later today.

Senator Carty requested a debate on eating disorders and on how these affect young people. This is a worthwhile request and I will ensure a debate on the matter takes place at the earliest possible opportunity.

On Senator Norris's request in respect of the Dalai Lama, matters are proceeding in accordance with Standing Orders at the CPP. I had understood the leader of the Independent group, Senator O'Toole, had been briefing the Senator on this matter. I will discuss the matter further with Senator O'Toole following the Order of Business and we will endeavour to continue to fully support Senator Norris's request. I will inform Senator Norris of the current position when I take up the matter with the secretariat. I look forward to the Senator's request being accepted and to the House being honoured by the presence of the Dalai Lama.

Senator Glynn called on the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to review the terms of reference of An Bord Pleanála, particularly in the context of a submission made yesterday by the Irish Rural Dwellers Association to the relevant committee. One of the points raised in the submission is that sons and daughters should not be prevented from building houses on their parents' farms or small holdings. As many people are aware, for many years my party has represented the interests of small businesses and small farmers and those who are obliged to make a go of things for themselves.