Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

No shouting and roaring from the other side, please. Senators Norris and Fitzgerald quite correctly have asked me to raise the matter of Zimbabwe with the Minister for Foreign Affairs in the context of the agreed all-party motion. I certainly will do that on the conclusion of the Order of Business.

Senator O'Toole highlighted the difficulties being experienced with funding for Gaeltacht schools. This is urgent and I shall convey the Senator's serious concerns to the Minister immediately after the Order of Business.

Senator Jim Walsh offered his congratulations to the Christian Brothers on the magnificent contribution they have made and asked that the House be associated with it. I join the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, Deputy Haughey, and everyone else in congratulating the Christian Brothers on the 150 years of tremendous service they have given the people of Ireland.

Senators Paudie Coffey and John Paul Phelan made a plea for the palliative care unit in County Waterford. I certainly can pass that on to the Minister.

Senators O'Donovan, MacSharry, Glynn, John Paul Phelan and Ó Domhnaill called for an urgent debate on the fishing industry. As I said to Senator Ó Domhnaill last week, Senator Glynn the previous week and Senator O'Donovan many weeks ago, this is a debate that must take place before the summer recess. This industry needs urgent attention and support, and it is one area to which each one of us can make a contribution. I have no difficulty in responding to Senator O'Donovan's request, and this matter will be given all the time needed for views to be aired as soon as the Minister returns from Luxembourg. I understand the Senator is meeting the Minister tomorrow in this regard. I have given a commitment to Senator Glynn on fish stocks in the midlands. This could be included in the debate on the fishing industry.

Senator Norris called for a debate on rendition. I have no difficulty in having time set aside for such a debate but the difficulty is there are only three weeks to the summer recess. He might consider raising such a debate in Private Members' business.

I must differ with Senator Norris's comments on the French President, Mr. Sarkozy. As far as I am concerned as Leader of the House, Mr. Sarkozy is most welcome in our country. When France holds the EU Presidency in several weeks' time, he will be welcomed as any other president has been.