Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Let us see what the Office of Public Works tells the Committee of Public Accounts in due course.

I apologise to Senator Burke for not responding to him last Thursday. Both himself and Senator Coghlan referred to the local election areas Bill. I look forward to it being discussed in the House. I do not know when the Government will ask for it be taken but the Bill to change the Dáil and European Parliament constituencies, which affects Westmeath and Longford, as Senator McFadden will be aware, has been published and that will come to the House in due course.

Senator Ó Murchú commented on the Christian churches in Northern Ireland and the wearing of the crucifix and the pioneer pin. I fully agree with the Senator's sentiments. Perhaps it is a step too far. However, he has put the House on notice in this regard and it will not forget the views of the Senator.

Senators Mullen, Ormonde and Bacik called for a debate on human trafficking and I have no difficulty agreeing to that. The Independent group have Private Members' time in the first sitting week in September and that would be the earliest opportune time for this to be discussed in the House.

Senators Butler and McFadden raised concerns about the social partnership talks. Last week I wished the talks well. I watched the "One to One" television programme last night in which one of the most experienced and successful civil servants in the history of the State was interviewed. He served three Taoisigh and he played a major role in bringing the Ryder Cup to Ireland. He outlined his views regarding the challenges facing Ireland. Senator Butler has enormous experience in this area and it would be a wise move to take on board Padraig Ó hUiginn's suggestion that the new agreement should provide income tax relief in return for moderate pay increases. Perhaps this could make the economy competitive again.

The greatest challenge facing us in the new pay talks is getting Ireland back to being competitive. It is frightening when 580 jobs will be lost at the one of the most successful companies in Ireland, which has played a major role in road safety in particular and reducing premiums when the challenge was put down to the insurance industry. The chief executive of Hibernian Insurance provided all the assistance I required as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business at the time and thorough research was carried out. A total of 580 jobs is a huge number to lose and I am disappointed they may leave the country in the long term.

Senator McFadden made the case for additional funding for essential repairs in County Westmeath. I will come back to her on that but I will do everything I can. I assure her regarding the plight of those most in need. If we were all asked who we represent and appreciate, we would reply those on the margins, those who are underprivileged and our senior citizens, who have made an immeasurable contribution to give us the Ireland we have in the 21st century.

Senators Norris, in particular, and Senator Hanafin referred to the civil partnership Bill. Its publication is expected later in the autumn.