Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Twomey, MacSharry, Kelly and Coghlan called for a debate on the economy. As I said yesterday, I will endeavour to have this take place before the end of the session. Senator MacSharry made a useful suggestion that a sub-committee of the House be established to monitor the progress of the national development plan and the social partnership agreement. We will discuss this proposal at the next meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges to see how it can be progressed.

Senator Kelly spoke about the need for improved broadband provision. The difficulties in this regard represent a serious challenge for the State while also offering potential for significant job creation. Business is not about turnover but rather about overheads. Improved broadband provision will allow self-employed people to operate from home. It will also offer women working in the home a way of earning a supplementary income. All workers will be able to avail of modern technologies in their home, which may allow them to avoid the inconvenience of commuting to and from work. I fully agree with the sentiments expressed on this issue. I have already given a commitment to the House to have this debate take place before the summer recess.

I have received many calls in recent weeks for a debate on the Health Service Executive. I compliment everybody who contributed to yesterday's debate. In particular, I commend the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, who once again excelled in displaying her absolute grasp of her portfolio. There is never any difficulty in asking her to make time in her diary for us. Yesterday was the fourth occasion since this Seanad was formed that she has taken part in a debate in this Chamber. I am extremely grateful to Senators for their participation and for the informed way in which the Minister enlightened the House on the up-to-date position. She faces a serious challenge in tackling the various difficulties in the health service. We all wish to support her in any way we can.

Senator O'Toole referred to No. 22 on today's Order Paper, which is a draft order for approval. He correctly pointed out that the draft order was laid before the House last Tuesday, 27 May. I hope to deal with this next week.

Senators Hannigan, de Búrca, Ó Murchú, Mullen and Norris welcomed the wonderful news from Croke Park that an agreement had been reached on the banning of cluster bombs. This is a milestone decision by the 100 countries involved. I congratulate the previous Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, and the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, on their initiative on this issue and their work in brining it to this stage. I welcome this morning's confirmation by the British Prime Minister, Mr. Gordon Brown, that his Government will sign the agreement. I watched a television biography of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, last night. The courageous stance she took on this issue helped to frame international opinion. I congratulate everybody associated with the agreement. As Senator Ó Murchú said, we can be proud that a decision of major international significance was made in Croke Park. Senator Norris observed that it may come to be known as the Dublin agreement. It represents a significant step forward in dealing with what is a serious challenge.

I am willing to allow a debate on house prices, as called for by Senator Hannigan. The current challenge is that there is an oversupply of some 50,000 houses. Potential buyers can now avail of incredible value for money, with prices being reduced on a weekly basis.